Safeguarding

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.

The Safeguarding Team

Any concerns about student safety should be referred to the below 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.
School counsellor – To offer 1:1 and small group sessions to support students mental health and wellbeing.

The Safeguarding Team have regard to "Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023" when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Mrs. Gleeson

Director of Safeguarding

Mrs. Shaw

Dept. Safeguarding Lead

Mrs. Passmore

Dept. Safeguarding Lead

Mr. Gill

Safeguarding Officer

Mrs. Fadian

Safeguarding Officer

Contact the Safeguarding Team

Name	Role	Contact
Mrs. Claire Gleeson	Director of Safeguarding	cgleeson@thomastelfordutc.com 01902 872180
Mrs. Philippa Shaw	Deputy Safeguarding Lead	pshaw@thomastelfordutc.com 01902 872180
Mrs. Laura Passmore	Deputy Safeguarding Lead	lpassmore@thomastelfordutc.com 01902 872180
Mrs. Sarah Fadian	Safeguarding Officer	sfadian@thomastelfordutc.com 01902 872180

Information for Students

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?

If there is something or someone worrying you, you can use these methods to get help:

Go to Mrs Gleeson's office or the student reception;
Speak to your personal tutor or a trusted teacher;
Write it in a letter and pass it on to one of the safeguarding and welfare team;
Talk to your parents or a trusted adult;
Use the Whispernet tool on our website;
Email the UTC at: info@thomastelfordutc.com;
Call us on: 01902 872180.

If the UTC is closed please contact Wolverhampton Safeguarding Team on 01902 555392 (Mon-Thurs 8:30am - 5pm {4:30pm on Fridays}) or 01902 552999 (out of hours). If you are concerned that a child or young person is at serious risk of harm, please call West Midlands Police on 999.

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;
Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing, kicking;
Posting insulting messages or rumours about you online or by IM.

What does racist behaviour look like?

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