Safeguarding at St Ethelwold's

At St Ethelwold’s VA School, we maintain an unwavering commitment to a culture of vigilance. Safeguarding and child protection are embedded into every aspect of our ethos, curriculum, and daily operations. We strictly adhere to Welsh Government statutory guidance (Keeping Learners Safe) and the Wales Safeguarding Procedures.

👤 Key Safeguarding Contacts

• Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP): Mr Paul Oliver (Headteacher) | 📞 01244 812932  

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Person (DDSP): Mr Andy Griffith (Assistant Headteacher) | 📞 01244 812932

• Nominated Safeguarding Governor & Chair of Governors: Mrs Abigayil Miller | 📞 01244 812932

🗝️ Core Principles & Priorities

1. Child-Centred Ethos: Every learner has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, and harm, and to have their voice heard.

2. Face-to-Face Reporting Protocol: While we use CPOMS for secure, chronological record-keeping, staff are instructed to report any immediate safety concerns in person to the DSP or DDSP.

3. Preventative Pastoral Support: We link safeguarding directly to emotional wellbeing. We use Boxall Profiles, One Page Profiles, and qualified ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) nurture interventions to support our learners.

4. Multi-Agency Working: We work closely in partnership with Children's Services, the Early Help Hub (EHH), CAMHS, Education Welfare Services, and North Wales Police (including Operation Encompass).

🔒 Site Security & Safer Recruitment

• Access Control: The school operates a single controlled point of entry through the main reception. Visitors must sign in digitally, confirm safeguarding guidelines, and wear visible lanyards.

• Dynamic Security: Perimeter padlocks are checked daily, and all internal and external key-coded security lock numbers are changed on a monthly basis as an extra safety measure.

• Safer Recruitment: All staff, volunteers, and contractors undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and rigorous pre-employment vetting before working with pupils.

CEOP is here to keep children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. You can make a report directly to the CEOP Safety Centre by clicking on the Click CEOP button if something has happened online which has made you feel unsafe, scared or worried. This might be from someone you know in real life, or someone you have only ever met online. CEOP take all reports seriously and we will do everything we can to keep you safe.

As well as making a report to the CEOP Safety Centre, the CEOP Education website has information and advice to help you if something has happened to you online.

Are you being bullied?

CEOP are unable to respond to reports about bullying but if you’re being bullied and would like to talk to someone in confidence right now you can speak to Childline on 0800 1111 or talk to them online – no worry is too big or too small.