We take the welfare of all students and staff extremely seriously. We have a team of qualified Safeguarding and Welfare officers that work to ensure that students feel safe and supported.
The College is committed to:
• Providing a safe learning environment for all students with equal protection from all types of harm and abuse.
• Identifying children, young people and vulnerable adults who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm, and taking appropriate action to see that such children, young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe, both at home and at the College.
• Working in partnership with students, staff and other institutions to promote a safe learning environment.
Key Contacts:
Paul Smith – Designated Safeguarding Lead
Kirsty Wealthall – Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Ann Hay – Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Omar Farooq – Safeguarding and Support Officer
Peer on Peer abuse
We recognise the potential for abuse between young people, especially in the context of a College setting, face-to-face or online. All staff are vigilant to the signs of what is called peer-on-peer abuse, including those between young people who are not currently attending our provision, and report any concern, no matter how small, to the college Safeguarding Team.
We’re here if you’re worried about something you’ve seen or heard, if you’re concerned for yourself or another student, or just looking for some advice.
There is also an independently run Report Abuse in Education dedicated helpline. The helpline is run by the NSPCC and is free and anonymous for children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse or harassment at school and/or College or for adults or professionals who need support and guidance. Whether it’s happening now or it happened in the past, you can call Report Abuse on 0800 136 663 or email [email protected]
Parental Advice – Talking to your child about online sexual harassment
Online Safety
It has never been more important to keep yourself safe online. Here are some useful tips from the UK Safer Internet Centre to remember:
- Protect your online reputation and ‘think before you post’. Content posted online can last forever and could be shared publicly by anyone.
- Report anything that concerns you to service providers and use blocking and deleting tools. If something happens that upsets you online, it’s never too late to tell someone.
- Don’t give in to pressure. Remember, if you lose your inhibitions, you’ve lost control and once you’ve pressed send, you can’t take it back.
- Respect the law! Use reliable services and know how to legally access the music, film and TV you want.
- Acknowledge your sources. Use trustworthy content and remember to give credit when using others’ work or ideas.
In addition, CEOP helps any young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced of tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This is something that has taken place either online, in the ‘real world’ or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the button below.
If you have any concerns, please ask at Reception for support. You can also contact the safeguarding team at [email protected] or call 0121 667 5101 and ask for a Safeguarding Officer.
Safeguarding Out of Hours
If you suspect a child or young person is being abused, you should contact your Local Authority Out of Hours Social Care number.
If you feel that a child or any other student is at immediate risk and in need of protection you should contact the Police immediately (999 emergency, 101 non-emergency).
Birmingham Children’s Safeguarding Referrals
· Telephone: 0121 675 4806
Dudley Safeguarding Children
· Telephone: 0300 555 8574
Sandwell Children Safeguarding Referrals
· Telephone: 0121 569 4800
Walsall Safeguarding Children’s Referrals
· Telephone: 0300 555 2922
Wolverhampton Children Social Care
· Telephone: 01902 552999
Report Child Abuse contact detail search by postcode
Useful Links
Documents:
Covid-19 arrangements for Safeguarding and Child Protection January 2022