Safeguarding
Safeguarding is crucial in any educational setting, and this is especially true in an independent special school.
There are several reasons why safeguarding is particularly important in this type of environment:
- Vulnerability of students: Students attending independent special schools may have a range of complex needs, including physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities. This makes them particularly vulnerable to abuse or neglect, and safeguarding measures are essential to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
- Duty of care: As a provider of education and care, independent special schools have a legal and ethical duty of care to their students. This means that they are responsible for ensuring that their students are safe and protected from harm, including abuse or neglect.
- Increased risk of abuse: Students attending independent special schools may be at an increased risk of abuse or neglect due to their vulnerability, their dependence on others for care, and potential communication difficulties.
- Regulation and inspection: Independent special schools are subject to regulation and inspection by government bodies, such as Ofsted in the UK, and safeguarding is a key area of focus in these inspections. Failure to adequately safeguard students can result in negative outcomes such as poor inspection ratings, sanctions or even closure.
- Importance of well-being: Students in special schools need an environment that prioritises their well-being, emotional and mental health. A positive, safe and secure school environment can support the mental health and wellbeing of students.
Overall, safeguarding is essential in an independent special school to protect vulnerable students, meet the school's duty of care, and comply with regulation and inspection requirements. Creating a safe and secure school environment is also beneficial to students’ wellbeing, allowing them to feel safe and supported to learn and grow.
Given all the above, here at TIME we are totally committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students at all times.
All prospective staff are subject to thorough safer recruitment protocols and accompanying DBS checks.
Safeguarding considerations form an integral part of all meetings. We ensure that all staff are made fully aware of all and any national developments or policy changes, particularly the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) annual updates every September.
For further information please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead: Phil McLellan on 01744 808040 or email philclarke@thisismyeducation.org.uk
Phil McLellan, Designated Safeguarding Lead
T: 01744 808040
Safeguarding team
Contact details for our Safeguarding Team:
Phil McLellan, Designated Safeguarding Lead Tel: 01744 808040 Email: philclarke@thisismyeducation.org.uk
Kerrie Boswell, Deputy DSL (Post 16) Tel: 07561 233327 Email: kerrieboswell@thisismyeducation.org.uk
TIME is part of Operation Encompass
Safeguarding Futures, One Child at a Time
Operation Encompass provides crucial information, enabling teachers and Key Workers to play a proactive and informed role in protecting and supporting children today, while also aiming to secure their future well-being. This action-oriented focus concentrates on both the immediate and lasting impact of the support given to a child experiencing domestic abuse. Operation Encompass is a beacon of hope for children experiencing domestic abuse.
Elisabeth Carney-Haworth OBE & David Carney-Haworth OBE
For further information please follow the link:
What is Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass is a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse.
Operation Encompass ensures that there is a simple telephone call or notification to the school’s trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (known as key Adult) prior to the start of the next school day after an incident of police attended domestic abuse where there are children related to either of the adult parties involved.
This sharing of information enables appropriate support to be given, dependent upon the needs and wishes of the child.
At TIME we have a dedicated email address for Operation Encompass.
For further information please follow the link: