Safeguarding

At The Leys, safeguarding is our highest priority. As a community, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil feels safe, valued, respected and supported. Safeguarding is at the heart of our pastoral care and underpins every aspect of school life. We believe that pupils flourish when they feel secure, listened to and cared for. The Leys is often described as a “big, small school” where every pupil is known as an individual. Through our House system, pastoral care network, medical provision and wider support services, we work to create an environment in which young people can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Our Commitment

The Leys is committed to:

• Promoting the welfare of every pupil.
• Providing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.
• Listening to children and taking their concerns seriously.
• Identifying concerns early and providing support before problems escalate.
• Working in partnership with parents, guardians and external agencies.
• Protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm, including online harm.
• Ensuring that all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and every member of staff receives regular safeguarding training in line with statutory guidance.

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Pastoral care is one of the three foundation stones of a Leys education and is considered fundamental to enabling pupils to flourish. Every pupil benefits from a network of support, including:

• Housemasters and Housemistresses
• Tutors
• Matrons
• School nurses
• The Medical Centre
• Counsellors and independent listeners
• Senior pastoral staff and safeguarding team

Our aim is to ensure that pupils always have trusted adults they can turn to for help and advice.

Safeguarding in Practice

The School has a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads available to support pupils and staff.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Helen Hynd
Deputy Head (Pastoral Care)
[email protected]
01223 508900

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads

Catherine Stevens – Senior Deputy Head
[email protected]

Skyler Moulder – Lead Nurse
[email protected]

Eleanor Choudhury – Teacher of Religious Studies
[email protected]

Harriet Lee – Head of Swimming
[email protected]

Safeguarding Governor

Julia Clarke
[email protected]

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Child-on-child abuse
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Child sexual exploitation
• Child criminal exploitation
• Online abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Radicalisation
• County lines involvement
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Forced marriage and so-called honour-based abuse

All concerns are taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.

If a Child Needs Help

We actively encourage pupils to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else.

If a concern is raised, staff will:

1. Listen carefully.
2. Take the concern seriously.
3. Reassure the child they will be supported.
4. Seek appropriate help.
5. Follow the School’s safeguarding procedures.

Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians play a vital role in safeguarding. If you have any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, we encourage you to contact a member of our safeguarding team as soon as possible.

We are committed to working openly and constructively with families, while always acting in the best interests of the child.

Policies

For further information, please see:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Child-on-Child Abuse Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Online Safety Policy
• Preventing Radicalisation Policy
• Missing Pupils Policy
• Pupil Wellbeing Policy

If you are a pupil and are worried about yourself or someone else, speak to a trusted adult, your Housemaster/Housemistress, Tutor, Matron, a member of the Medical Centre or a member of the Safeguarding Team immediately. We are here to help.