Woodley School and College
Safeguarding
At Woodley School & College, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where all pupils feel protected, listened to and valued, both online and offline.
Safeguarding includes:
- Protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- Identifying and supporting children who may be at risk as early as possible.
- Promoting mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
- Working in partnership with families and other agencies to keep children safe.
This applies to all pupils under 18, and to vulnerable young adults aged 18–25 where appropriate.
Our Safeguarding Team
We have trained staff with clear responsibility for safeguarding:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Judith Beaumont
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs):
Adrian Sugden, Sallie Dodd, Mathew Titherington, Tracey Kershaw, Laura Pentelow and Claire Thompson - Safeguarding Governor: Ruth Hobson
Safeguarding leads are available during school hours and take action immediately when concerns are raised.
Tel: 01484 223937
Everyone’s Responsibility
All staff, volunteers, governors and visitors share responsibility for safeguarding. All staff receive regular safeguarding and child protection training and follow national guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Recognising and Responding to Concerns
If a child is worried about their own safety, or the safety of another child, they are encouraged to speak to:
- A trusted adult
- A teacher or support staff member
- A safeguarding lead
Any safeguarding concern is taken seriously, recorded carefully, and acted upon promptly. Where necessary, we work with external agencies such as Children’s Social Care, health services, police, and early support teams.
Supporting Vulnerable Children
We recognise that some children may be more vulnerable, including those who:
- Have special educational needs or disabilities
- Have mental health needs
- Experience domestic abuse
- Are looked after or previously looked after
- Are at risk of exploitation, radicalisation or harm online
- Are frequently absent or missing from education
We provide tailored support, early intervention and multi‑agency working to help children feel safe and achieve positive outcomes.
Online Safety
We take online safety seriously and have filtering and monitoring systems in place. Pupils are taught how to stay safe online, and staff monitor and respond to online safeguarding concerns, including bullying, exploitation, inappropriate content and harmful behaviours.
Working With Parents and Carers
We aim to work openly with parents and carers wherever possible. However, if we believe a child is at risk of significant harm, we may need to share information with safeguarding agencies without consent to protect the child.
A Safe School Culture
We promote:
- Respectful relationships
- A culture of listening
- Zero tolerance of abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination
- Safer recruitment and professional conduct
- Clear whistleblowing procedures
Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass is a safeguarding partnership between schools, the police and children’s services. It ensures that when police attend a domestic abuse incident, the school DSLs are informed (before the start of the next school day) if a child has been present or affected. This allows the school to offer timely, appropriate support to help the child feel safe, listened to and ready to learn, while keeping all information shared confidential and handled sensitively.
