Working together to safeguard children

Thomas Telford UTC is committed to the safeguarding of all of our students. As such, we understand that multi-agency working is essential in safeguarding children. Our duty to protect the students in our care from significant harm, depends on our effective joint working with a range of external agencies. Early help is also provided through excellent pastoral support and the initiation of Common Assessment Frameworks, where required.

The Safeguarding team

Mrs Gleeson, Student Support Leader, is the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead Teacher. Mr Maxfield is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. Any concerns about student safety should be referred to the above members of staff. Our first priority at the UTC is to make all our students feel safe and happy. All the staff in the team are trained to deal with any safeguarding issues. Come and see us, call us or email us if you are feeling unsure, unsafe or are worried about someone else. At the UTC, we currently work with a range of agencies across nine local authorities, both internal and external, to safeguard and support the students in our care. These include:

• Children’s Services – To ensure students are fully safeguarded both in and out of school.
• School Nurse – To offer medical and health advice.
• Local PCSOs – To offer mentoring support and to address antisocial behaviour.

How can I keep myself safe?

If there is something or someone worrying you at the UTC, you can tell any member of staff who will be able to get you the support you need from one of the team.

How can I tell someone?

• Go to the student reception, the hub or the lounge.
• Call us on: 01902 872180.
• Write it in a letter.
• Phone or tell a friend.
• Talk to your parents.
• Email the UTC at: info@wmcutc.co.uk.
• Use the Whispernet tool on our website.

How do I stay safe around school?

• Follow teachers' instructions
• No blocking corridors.
• No running through the school.
• No pushing or tripping.
• No play fighting.

What does bullying look like?

• Name calling.
• Saying/writing nasty things.
• Someone threatening you or making you do things you don’t want to do.
• Being made to feel uncomfortable.
• Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing, kicking.
• Posting insulting messages or rumours about you online or by IM.

ICT safety

• Keep your password safe.
• Never give out personal details to people on the internet.
• Never take a photo/video without permission.
• Sending abusive or threatening messages is against the law.
• Never post anything on the internet that could be upsetting or embarrassing – ask yourself, ‘Would I be happy for my Gran to see this?’

What does racist behaviour look like?

• Not respecting peoples’ different religious beliefs.
• Stereotyping people from different cultures.
• Making people feel like they do not belong.
• Making fun of clothes, food or physical appearance.

Other useful websites

• Childline.
• CEOP – Children’s Exploitation and Online Protection Agency.
• Upside – Barnardos.
• NSPCC.