At West Exe, we have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of students. We aim to create and maintain a safe learning environment for children and young people, whilst working in partnership with other organisations. At West Exe the welfare of our students is of paramount importance.

Child Protection statement

At West Exe School, we have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of students under the Education Act 2002. We aim to create and maintain a safe learning environment for children and young people; we will identify where there are welfare concerns and take action to address them, in partnership with other organisations, where appropriate. The School’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance. Our policy and annexes will be reviewed annually, unless an incident or new legislation or guidance suggests the need for an interim review.

Our core Safeguarding Principles are:

• Welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection.
• All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm.
• Students and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support.

Child Protection and safeguarding procedures apply to all staff, volunteers and governors and any adult visiting the School site and are consistent with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play in safeguarding children. School staff form part of the wider safeguarding system for children.

Our Senior Designated Leads for Child Protection are: 

• Mrs Julie Fossey – Headteacher 
• Miss Nicky Lewis – Head of School (DDSL)
• Miss Joanne O’Neill – Safeguarding Lead
• Miss Charlotte Froom – Assistant Headteacher for Pastoral Development
• Mr Hugh O'Shea - Assistant Headteacher for Pastoral Development
• Mrs Kelly Dighton - Senior Leader, SENDCo

We have a number of additional staff members who are also trained at Level 3 in Safeguarding.

You can contact any of the above staff at West Exe School on 01392 660100 or via email to that relevant member of staff.

Mrs Sarah O’Shea is our nominated Safeguarding Governor.

Need help when School is closed?

If you believe that urgent action is needed because, for example, a child is in immediate danger you can phone the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 155 1071 and give as much information as you can. You can also call the Police on 101 or if you feel a child is at risk of significant harm you must call 999.

Email [email protected]   Non – Emergency call 101 – [email protected]

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