At the VLC we recognise and embrace our role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE September 2024) makes it clear that all staff have a safeguarding responsibility. As a school, we work proactively with social care, the police, health services and other services to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.
Safeguarding is defined as the actions taken to protect children from harm and promote their welfare. This includes:
- Protecting children from maltreatment, including online
- Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development
- Ensuring that children are growing up in safe and effective car
- Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome
- Providing help and support to children as soon as problems emerge.
Safeguarding includes child protection, medical health care plans, health and safety, site security, safety on school trips, anti-bullying work and so much more.
Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE July 2019) requires all schools, including independent schools, academies, and free schools to follow the procedures for protecting children from abuse.
Our Child Protection lead staff are:
Safeguarding Staff
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VLC Designated Safeguarding Lead |
Rachael Hobson, Principal (01934 425 522) |
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VLC Centre Safeguarding Leads |
Christina Perry, Phase One Lead (01934 413 725) |
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Ashlee Copeland, Phase Two Lead (01934 425 522) |
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Nicola Young, Phase Three Lead (01934 413 725) |
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VLC Management Committee Lead |
Lis Jolley (01934 425 522) |
In order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, the VLC acts in accordance with the following legislation and guidance:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE September 2024)
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE February 2024)
- Guidance for Safer Working Practices for Adults working with Children and Young People (May 2019)
- The Prevent duty -Departmental advice for schools and childcare providers (June 2015)
'Leaders ensure that safeguarding is a high priority. It is fundamental in the regular communication around pupils to ensure that everyone knows their responsibility to keep all pupils safe.'
Ofsted 2022
