At Weald of Kent Grammar School, we are fully committed to the safeguarding of our students. It is important that students feel safe and supported so that they can achieve their full potential.
All staff at Weald of Kent Grammar School, regardless of their role, recognise that safeguarding is the statutory duty of all staff. As such, we will:
- Provide a safe environment for students
- Identify students who may need additional help and/or may be suffering harm
- Take appropriate action to protect and help children.
Safeguarding is the term used to prevent harm, keep children safe and promote their wellbeing. Child Protection is the way in which we respond to situations, in order to protect children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.
Safeguarding and visitors to the school
Upon arrival at the school, visitors are required to sign in at Reception and have their photo taken. They must then wear an ID badge (that must be visible at all times).
Visitors are collected from Reception and must remain with a designated member of staff at all times, any exceptions to this will be arranged prior to the visit and appropriate checks will also be carried out beforehand
On departure, visitors must sign out and return their ID badge to Reception before leaving the premises.
If you have safeguarding concerns during the school's normal opening hours, please phone school reception and ask to speak with a safeguarding lead, or email AASafeguarding@wealdgs.org.
At evenings, weekends and holidays, please see the useful contacts below.
Key contacts
Ken MacSporran
Designated Safeguarding Lead/Deputy Headteacher
Useful contacts:
Kent (Children’s Services) Duty Team
If you are worried or concerned about a child, call 03000 41 11 11 or email social.services@kent.gov.uk
If you need to reach the team outside of normal office hours, call 03000 41 91 91.
In an emergency, call 999 and to report a crime (non-emergency)to Police, call 101.
Early Help 03000 419 222 https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/protecting-children/early-help-support-for-families
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Every local authority is required to have a LADO whose responsibility it is to provide advice and guidance to individuals who have concerns about the behaviour of an adult who works with children and young people. If you wish to raise a concern about a professional working with children, please call 03000 410 888.
Useful links:
Child protection
Reporting abuse
Preventing abuse and neglect
Supporting children through bullying
Bullying UK: Website
Think you Know, an education programme aimed at protecting children online and offline: website.
Useful links for children:
Childline: Tel 0800 1111. Website: www.childline.org.uk
Health for parents and students
Sexual health
NHS guide
Terrence Higgins TrustFamily Planning Association
Mental health
Time to change: http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/
Young minds: http://www.youngminds.org.uk/
General Advice: http://www.themix.org.uk/
Self-Harm: https://www.selfharm.co.uk/
Eating Disorders: https://www.b-eat.co.uk/
Transgender Support: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/
Gay, Lesbian and Bi Sexual Support and information: www.stonewall.co.uk
Online resources (online safety)
Parent Zone
Net aware
Parents’ guide from Connectsafely
KidScape Cyberbulling Advice
Childline Cyberbullying Information
CEOP Cyberbullying
Government advice for parents
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
Think U Know
Childnet
UK Safer Internet Centre
Report Harmful Content
Marie Collins Foundation
Internet Matters
NSPCC
Get Safer Online
Parents Protect
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)