Safeguarding

Safeguarding our Students

Writhlington School fully recognises its responsibilities for child protection. Our policy applies to all staff, governors, and volunteers working in the school. We follow a child-centred, coordinated approach to safeguarding, in line with the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2022).

There are five main elements to our policy:

  • Practice safe recruitment: Ensure staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children.
  • Raise awareness: Inform staff and students about child protection issues and equip children with the skills to stay safe.
  • Implement procedures: Identify and report cases or suspected cases of abuse.
  • Support students: Help students who have been abused, in line with their agreed child protection plan.
  • Create a safe environment: Establish a safe space in which children can learn and develop.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection is Mr Ambrose, who can answer any questions about the school’s approach.

If we are concerned that your child may be at risk of abuse or neglect, we must follow the procedures outlined in our child protection policy. In almost all circumstances, we will discuss our concerns with parents and seek consent before referring to children’s social care. In some cases, however, we may need to make a referral without parental consent if we genuinely believe this is the best way to protect your child. Any such decision will be carefully recorded.

Safeguarding Contacts

To contact a safeguarding lead please use our contact form or call main reception on 01761 433 581.

Pastoral Team

At Writhlington, every member of staff is committed to supporting our students. Below is a list of the key members of our Pastoral Team. Your child’s tutor should be the first point of contact, but the pastoral team is also available to speak with you whenever needed.

Mr Michael Ambrose
Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Mike Burr
Achievement and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Emma Sage
Head of Year 7
Mr Lloyd Davies
Head of Year 8 and 9
Mr David Morris
Head of Year 10 and 11
Miss Kirsty Playdon
Assistant Head of Key Stage 3
Mrs Becky Sturdy
Assistant Head of Key Stage 3
Mrs Kelly Payne
Assistant Head of Key Stage 4
Mrs Tracey Turner
Welfare Officer and Assistant Head of Key Stage 4

All pastoral staff are passionate about ensuring the welfare and safety of our students. Each year group has a Level 3 trained member of staff, in addition to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

We also have the following staff supporting student health, safety, and wellbeing:

  • Mrs S Smart (HLTA) – ELSA Practitioner

  • Ms H Chambers (TA) – ELSA Practitioner

We work with external agencies to further support our students, including:

  • Speakeasy

  • Off The Record

  • CAMHS MHST

  • Sporting Family Change

  • School Nurse Service

  • Youth Connect

  • The Willow Project BaNES

> Child Protection Policy