Introduction
We recognise that the welfare of the child is paramount and all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. We work in partnership with children, young people, their parents and carers along with other agencies to ensure all students are safeguarded.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:·
- Protecting children and young people from maltreatment.
- Preventing the impairment of their health or development.
- Ensuring that they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
- Enabling them to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
The designated safeguarding lead is responsible for promoting a safe environment for children and young people. They are the first point of contact for all staff and volunteers to go to for advice if they are concerned about a child. They may also need to be available out of hours, so staff and volunteers always know how to contact them, or alternatively a deputy can be appointed.
The designated safeguarding lead has a higher level of safeguarding training and knowledge than the rest of the staff and should have completed Working Together to Safeguard Children and Young People. Their role includes supporting staff to assist in information regarding concerns and support decision making about whether staff concerns are sufficient to notify children’s social work services or whether other courses of action are more appropriate, such as the completion of an Early Help Approach.
It is not the designated safeguarding officer's responsibility to decide whether a child has been abused or not. That is the responsibility of investigative statutory agencies such as children’s social work services or the police. However, keeping children safe is everybody’s business, and all staff should know who to go to and how to report any concerns they may have about a child being harmed or at risk of being harmed.
The Safeguarding Team at Devizes School
The Safeguarding Team work together to ensure safety of students at the School. If you have any concerns regarding a child, please contact us on safeguardinggroup@devizes.wilts.sch.uk
Mrs K Fraser - Deputy Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr D Cooper - Executive Headteacher, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr B Cave - Associate Headteacher, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Miss L Tilley - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr B Chamberlain - Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs V Gale - Assistant SENCo, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs V Mackay - Raising Achievement Leader Year 10
If you have a concern about a child out of school hours you can contact the Multi Agency Service Hub (MASH) on 0300 456 0108.
Report a Concern
Whisper is an anonymous reporting tool brought to you by the South West Grid for Learning. It can be added to school websites to help anonymously capture issues reported by students either online or by text message. To report an issue, click the button below.
WHISPER ALERT (ANONYMOUS REPORTING)
Prevent Duty & Educate Against Hate
As a parent, you may be worried about how extremism and radicalisation might affect your child.
Messages of hate can take many forms. Extremist groups use them to recruit young people. There is a website where you will find information to help parents, teachers, and school leaders to understand the issues and protect children in our community.
For practical advice and information on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation, please visit Educate Against Hate.