Safeguarding

Download: Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Safety Information for Visitors

We hope that your visit will be enjoyable, informative and safe. Please help us by reading and complying with the guidance contained in this leaflet, which is intended to ensure your health and safety whilst at Wixams Academy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff.

Security

All visitors and contractors coming in to the academy must sign in at Reception. Please ensure your visitors pass and lanyard are clearly visible.

If you are working unsupervised with students, you will be asked to produce your DBS certificate or details thereof, together with proof of identification, ie Passport or driving licence. Without this you may not be granted access.

Mobile Phones/Photographs

Visitors may not use mobile phones on site, including taking photographs of the Academy, staff or students.

Fire and Evacuation

  • Your host will explain what to do in the case of emergencies and fire alarms.
  • The alarm is a continuous bell. You must leave the building by the fire exit in the dining hall.
  • Stay with your host as they will escort you to the assembly point and ensure that you are recorded as present.
  • Do not take any personal risks.
  • You must not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so.

First Aid

If you need first aid or feel unwell please report to the Academy’s Reception.

Contractors

  • Contractors must ensure that they follow any health and safety guidelines that may apply. By doing so, you will assist us in meeting the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
  • Contractors working within school hours must hold a valid DBS enhanced disclosure certificate and produce a copy or details thereof.

Smoking and Vaping

Wixams Academy operates a no smoking policy. Please do not smoke or vape anywhere on the academy site.

Car Parking

  • All vehicles and their contents are left at the owner’s risk.
  • Please observe the speed limit of 10mph.

SAFEGUARDING

  • OFSTED definition:
  • Protecting children from maltreatment
  • Preventing impairment of children's health or development
  • Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
  • Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

It is everyone's responsibility to RECOGNISE and RESPOND to any concerns about the welfare of a child or young person. 

Safeguarding Guidance for Staff and Visitors to the Academy

Adults visiting or working on the academy site play an important part in the life of the academy. Please observe the following guidelines:

  • Do not initiate verbal or physical contact with students unless it is appropriate and a part of the agreed reason for your visit.
  • Do not give any personal information to students, such as your mobile number or email address.
  • Do not give students details of your personal social network accounts or engage in any communication with students using social networking sites.
  • If a student makes a disclosure to you, do not promise confidentiality; explain that you will need to talk to someone else. Inform the designated senior person for child protection.

If you have any concerns that a student may be at risk of harm, report it immediately to the  Designated Persons (DSL) for child protection, Paul Spyropouls, Lindsey Pearson, Lucy Bonforte, Amanda Maddox, Clare Mountain and Holly Stack, who can be contacted via the Academy’s Reception, or via dsl@wixamsacademy.co.uk

PS LP2 LB2
Mr P Spyropoulos Mrs L Pearson  Mrs L Bonforte
AM CM HS
Mrs A Maddox Mrs C Mountain Miss H Stack

 

Emergency Contact Numbers

Academy Reception 01234 608950

Site team 07803 266571

Multi Agency Support Hub (MASH): email: multiagency@bedford.gov.uk or call 01234 718700 (office hours) or 0300 300 8123 (out of hours)

Local authority Designated Officer (LADO): lado@bedford.gov.uk or call 01234 276693 

NSPCC Whistleblowing: email: help@nspcc.org.uk or call 0800 028 0285

If there is an allegation made against a member of staff, you must pass this on to the Principal: pspyropoulos@wixamsacademy.co.uk

If an allegation is made against the Principal, the Chair of Governors must be informed: Chair of Governors, Wixams Academy, Green Lane, Wixams, Bedford MK42 6BA

If an allegation is made against the Chair of Governors, the BCAT Chair must be contacted: Ian Pryce, Bedford College, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AH

Thank you for helping to keep Wixams Academy safe.