Safeguarding Statement

Wixams Academy are committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of every pupil.  All our staff, governors and volunteers share this commitment.

Pupils are aware that they can talk to any member of staff if they have any concerns.  All staff are trained in Safeguarding on an annual basis allowing staff to understand the signs that a child may be at risk of harm.  We sometimes need to share information with external agencies about our pupils but where concerns are raised, discussions will take place with parents/carers first, unless we believe that this would be of detriment to the child’s welfare. If you have any concerns regarding the welfare of a child please contact a DSL immediately.

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

First Aid

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

Contractors

Smoking and Vaping

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

Car Parking

Safeguarding

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:

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, listed below, who can be contacted during school hours via the Academy’s Reception, or via the following email addresses:

dsl@wixamsacademy.co.uk

aorourke@wixamsacademy.co.uk (Lead DSL)

nbiddles@wixamsacademy.co.uk (Head of Year 9)

lbonforte@wixamsacademy.co.uk

hdavies@wixamsacademy.co.uk (Head of Year 11)

kgoodwin@wixamsacademy.co.uk (Co head of Year 7)

amaddox@wixamsacademy.co.uk (Head of Year 8)

rmercel@wixamsacademy.co.uk (Head of Year 12)

lpearson@wixamsacademy.co.uk

srahman@wixamsacademy.co.uk

cstacey@wixamsacademy.co.uk (Head of Year 10)

cstainsby@wixamsacademy.co.uk

Mr A O'Rourke
Mr A O’Rourke (Lead DSL)
Natasha Biddles
Mrs N Biddles
Mrs L Bonforte
Mrs L Bonforte
Miss H Davies
Mrs H Davies
Miss K Goodwin
Miss K Goodwin
Mrs A Maddox
Mrs A Maddox
Mr R Mercel
Mrs L Pearson (lead DSL)
Mrs L Pearson
Miss S Rahman
Miss S Rahman
Miss S Stacey
Miss S Stacey
Mr C Stainsby


Emergency Contact Numbers

Academy Reception: 01234 608950

Site team: 07803 266571

IFD/Integrated front door: 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 Interim Headteacher: cstainsby@wixamsacademy.co.uk

If an allegation is made against the Headteacher, the Chair of the Local Advisory Board must be informed: Chair of LAB, Wixams Academy, Green Lane, Wixams, Bedford MK42 6BA

If an allegation is made against the Chair of LAB, the KST Chair must be contacted: The KST Chair, Knowledge Schools Trust, 241 King Street Hammersmith, London W6 9LP

Thank you for helping to keep Wixams Academy safe.

Online Safety Information for Parents and Students

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command

Thinkuknow

NSPCC

Childnet

National Online Safety

Wellbeing

Please see a collection of resources supporting the emotional wellbeing of children & young people and those supporting them. To find out more, please visit: https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/mentalhealthhub

Mental health and wellbeing poster

How you feel matters

HOW YOU FEEL MATTERS poster for children and young people.

This poster highlights for children and young people the importance in talking, trying to talk to their school mental health lead, counsellor, doctor, friend, family, trusted adult. Click here to download it.