Safeguarding is at the heart of what we do. VLC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, volunteers, and parents to share this commitment. More information can be found in our Safeguarding Policy, available here. Our Safeguarding Policies are reviewed annually in line with the latest version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) and local authority guidance.
Designated Safeguarding Leads The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is the person appointed to take lead responsibility for child protection issues in school. DSL's receive specific training and supervision for their role.
Deputy DSL: Jo Price, Edel Hyde, Abi Wright, Jen Bayley, Karen Calvert, Justine Welch
Staff Training VLC ensures that all staff (including temporary, supply, volunteers) renew their safeguarding training annually. This means that their knowledge is fresh and up-to-date in what can be a complex and fast moving area of education. The training makes explicit reference to: the types and signs of abuse (now including Radicalisation, FGM and CSE); how to manage a safeguarding disclosure; their statutory responsibility to refer any concerns. A training database for all staff and volunteers is maintained. Staff and volunteers are provided with guidance to follow when they suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or is at risk of harm. We work cooperatively with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. We ensure that our concerns about our students are discussed with parents/carers first – unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.
Auditing VLC runs its own quality assurance processes to ensure that safeguarding systems and processes are working. The includes the monitoring of School’s Single Central Record, the monitoring of Child Protection Policies and Procedures and the monitoring of training for all employees and volunteers, guidance and support. VLC also undertakes the Local Authority Audit in September each year. What to do if you have a safeguarding concern If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, young person or adult that attends the school then please follow the instructions below for reporting your concern.
During school hours you should contact VLC and ask to speak to one of the key safeguarding personnel named above.
Out of school hours or weekends - please contact one of the below numbers:
Warwickshire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (also known as the Front Door) on 01926 414144
Evening and weekends – Social Services Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 01926 886922
Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000 or 101
Who can students talk to in school about a concern? All students can approach any member of staff to report a safeguarding concern. Staff will listen and seek relevant additional advice as necessary. Students can also email [email protected], which will be read by Charly, Jo, and Edel.