Safeguarding Statement

“The leadership of safeguarding is robust, there is clarity in overview and vision to develop a continuing and effective culture of safeguarding across the school ”. Assessor LA Safeguarding Audit:  November 2023

At The Highcrest Academy, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of our students. Each student’s welfare is of paramount importance and we instil a child centred approach.  

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

All staff are able to report any concern through our Child Protection Online Management System. There is a strong culture within the Academy for staff to report any concern, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Our Safeguarding Policy

Our Safeguarding & Child Protection policy has been written in accordance with our school vision and to reflect the following three key DFE safeguarding documents:

• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• The Prevent Duty 2023  

In addition, we write our Child Protection and Safeguarding policy in line with Buckinghamshire Council’s Child Protection Framework for Schools, and NSCPP safeguarding policy guidance.

Other Related Policies

• Child Sexual and/or Criminal Exploitation Policy
• Code of Confidentiality Policy
• Data Protection Policy and Procedures
• E-Safety Policy
• FGM Policy
• Forced Marriage Policy
• ICT Policy - Staff
• ICT Policy - Student
• LAC & Previous LAC Policy
• Prevent Policy
• Privacy Notice - Students & Parents
• Privacy Notice - Staff
• Restraining Pupils and the Use of Reasonable Force Policy
• Search Policy
• Self-Harm Policy

Emergency Contacts

• If you believe a young person is at immediate risk of harm, please call 999.
• If you have any concerns about a child at the Highcrest Academy, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Miss C To at claret@highcrestacademy.org.uk 
• If you have a concern about a member of staff working with children (in either a paid or voluntary capacity) please contact the Principal at burkeg@highcrestacademy.org.uk 
• If your concern is regarding the Principal, please contact our Chair of Governors at jollandss@highcrestacademy.org.uk 
• You can also contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Buckinghamshire Council at 01296 382070 or secure-LADO@buckinghamshire.gov.uk