Child Protection and Safeguarding


​Designated Officers at Sidmouth College
Sidmouth College is committed to child protection and safeguarding. We follow all statutory guidelines as well as our own policies and procedures.

​Click on the link to read our Safeguarding Policy, which is also available as a paper copy from Reception.

​We will act to protect a child where there is a disclosure or concern about abuse. The categories of abuse recognised by Social Services would be neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.

More information about child protection and safeguarding can be found on the Devon & Torbay Safeguarding Children Board's website: 
http://www.devonsafeguardingchildren.org

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Sidmouth College works with students, families and other agencies to help all our young people enjoy good mental health and wellbeing.
Please see the link below where there are up-to-date links to sources of support and advice for young people and parents.
https://www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk/8203healthy-mental-health.html

​Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

MASH is a partnership between Devon County Council children’s social care, education and youth services; Devon NHS health services; Devon and Cornwall Police; and the Probation Service working together to safeguard children and young people.

When a professional, family member or member of the public is concerned about a child or young person’s safety, they can contact MASH. They deal with all enquiries/referrals where there is a child protection concern.

​You can find out more about what the organisation does and how to contact them on their website.

If you have serious concerns about a child or young person, or if you need help parenting your child, you can call 0345 155 1071 or email:
​mashsecure@devon.gov.uk

Safeguarding

Safeguarding protects children beyond the four areas of abuse which must be reported to MASH. We consider safeguarding in all aspects of College life and have procedures in place to ensure that, as far as possible, young people continue to be safe from harm or neglect.

The Devon Safeguarding Children Board has an Early Help strategy to protect children or young people in Devon and provide help and advice to families as soon as they need it. Early Help is about more than child protection: it is about making sure that children living in Devon are safe, happy, healthy and well educated. Early Help co-ordinators work across Devon to ensure that those children and families needing help are receiving it from the right professionals.

If you feel that your family would benefit from Early Help, please contact a Designated Offer at the College.

For additional support and advice, click on the link to the attached document, 'Keeping Children Safe In Education'.

Online Safety

Most young people are accessing the internet from a variety of devices. Safe use of the internet is taught in our Personal Development Curriculum, Impact Days and in Tutorials.   However, all adults need to be aware of safeguarding issues around the internet.  A useful source of free advice is Get Safe Online.

Young People’s Use of Social Media and Online Devices and Sites

Parental engagement is crucial in making sure our young people receive consistent online safety messages at home and at school.
We would encourage all parents and carers who are providing their children with devices that can access the internet to take advantage of the resources available at Think U Know using the following link.  There are articles and advise on their page plus a useful search area where you will find advice.
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Adults also need to be aware of potential use of the internet in Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Radicalisation and there is free and useful information, advice and resources at the following sites/links/documents:
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​The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre website for parents and carers includes a refreshed suite of articles and guidance on all aspects of child internet safety:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents

Other Useful Links and Documents

Substance Guidance for Parents

If you have questions or want to find advice about possible drugs and substances that you child may come into contact with in the community please follow the link below.
http://www.talktofrank.com/

Radicalisation

There’s a chance that your child may meet people online or visit websites that could lead them to adopting what you consider to be extreme views, and becoming radicalised. Please follow the links below for advice to parents about radicalisation:
Google Classrooms
Support and advice materials, including blogs, interviews and guides about prejudice
For advice and to report online abuse
Free, confidential helpline dedicated to children and young people
Access your homework online
Anonymously report an issue to the college
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