Safeguarding Team

At The Eastbourne Academy, the safety and welfare of our students are of paramount importance. We are committed to providing a secure environment where all students can thrive and we recognise our vital role in safeguarding and promoting students overall well-being.

Our Role in Referring Concerns:

The Eastbourne Academy is dedicated to identifying and addressing any concerns related to the welfare and safety of our students. When a concern is raised about a student's safety, health, or well-being, we take immediate and appropriate action. Our processes include:

Early Identification:

Staff members are trained to recognise signs of potential harm, neglect, or abuse. If a concern is raised, it is our duty to take it seriously, ensuring the child is listened to and supported.

Reporting Procedures:

All concerns about a student's welfare must be reported immediately to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a member of the safeguarding team (DDSL’s). The Eastbourne Academy has clear and accessible reporting procedures to ensure that concerns are raised promptly and handled appropriately.

Referrals to External Agencies:

If a concern meets the threshold for external intervention, a referral will be made by the DSL’s, Deputy DSL’s or wider safeguarding team to the relevant external agencies, such as children's social care, the police, or other support services. We work collaboratively with these agencies to ensure that the student receives appropriate help and protection.

Our Role in Monitoring Concerns:

Monitoring the welfare and safety of our students is an ongoing responsibility. At The Eastbourne Academy, we are committed to ensuring that safeguarding concerns are tracked, reviewed, and managed effectively:

Record Keeping:

All safeguarding concerns, actions taken, and outcomes are carefully documented. This ensures a clear and accurate record of any issues and supports effective monitoring and follow-up.

Regular Review:

The safeguarding team regularly reviews cases to monitor the progress of concerns, ensuring that appropriate actions have been taken and that the welfare of the student remains the top priority. This includes regular meetings and discussions to assess ongoing risks and needs of individual children.

Communication with Parents and Carers:

Where appropriate, we engage with parents and carers to discuss concerns and involve them in safeguarding and supporting their children. We aim to work in partnership with families while maintaining a focus on the student's best interests.

Support and Intervention:

We provide support and interventions as needed to address welfare concerns. This may include; counselling, mentoring or referrals to specialist services internally and externally of the academy.

Our commitment to Safeguarding:

The Eastbourne Academy is committed to fostering a culture of vigilance where the welfare and safety of our students are everyone's responsibility. By adhering to robust safeguarding procedures and ensuring all staff are well-trained and vigilant, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all.

We understand that safeguarding is a continuous process, and we are committed to regularly reviewing and updating our policies and practices to reflect best practices and any changes in legislation or guidance. Together, we work to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.

In Safeguarding we offer an open door policy which enables students and staff to feel confident in raising concerns, creating a whole school approach to safeguarding. There is information and guidance available to visitors, external professionals and parents/carers when entering the academy on how to raise concerns about a child or adult and the next steps that will be taken.

East Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership

Safeguarding Policy

Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

Our Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Hannah Carter - hannah.carter.tea@swale.at

Shannon Mintern - shannon.mintern@swale.at

Sophie Reed - sophie.reed@swale.at

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads

Carly Rollings - carly.rollings@swale.at

Steve Rickard - steve.rickard@swale.at