Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

Safeguarding at Two Bridges Academy is of paramount importance.

We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment for pupils, students, staff, governors, volunteers and visitors and to promoting a climate where children, young people and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others. We aim to create a culture of vigilance to safeguard our children.

We ensure that all our staff are aware of, and have the skills to deal with, any child protection or safeguarding concerns. We have robust recruitment procedures and professional development programmes which ensure that all our staff uphold our strong ethos and values. All of our staff receive annual training in child protection as well as updates as required. This training gives staff the confidence they need to raise any concerns in an informed, timely and appropriate way. Staff are all aware that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Our policy draws on all relevant legislation and guidance including: 

• The Children Act (1989 and 2004)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education: Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (2023)        
• The Prevent Duty (2023) 
• The  four guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children

Please see Policies and Documents to view the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

The Safeguarding Team

If you have any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, please do not delay in contacting the following:

The staff above can be reached using the main school number 01454 553003

The DSL team all have up to date, higher level Child Protection Training to allow them to do their job with skill, knowledge and confidence and can be contacted if you have concerns about a child.

The Designated Safeguarding Governor is Louise Leader.

 If you are unable to contact any of these staff and your concern is urgent you can contact:

Staff at Two Bridges Academy are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse and neglect. We recognise that within our student population there will be children who have suffered or are at risk of suffering abuse and neglect. This abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional or neglectful in nature and it is the role of all adults within the school community to protect children from such abuse.

In order to make sure we are well placed to take action to support children at risk, we place great emphasis upon the quality of relationships within the school and believe that children only develop their full potential in an atmosphere where they feel safe, valued, trusted and confident they will be listened to. Staff are aware that the communication needs of our students can be a barrier to expressing their worries or concerns. Students are supported to bring concerns to the attention of staff, through such things as access to Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC's) strategies, staff who are observant and vigilant to signs of abuse, a curriculum that supports them to develop a positive sense of worth for themselves and those around them.

 Further Contact Details