Safeguarding & eSafety
BackAt ICHS, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our approach is child-centred, ensuring that the best interests of our students are always our priority. The overview below highlights our commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.
Safeguarding Leadership & Staff Training
Mr Knowles is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), responsible for supporting staff in safeguarding duties and liaising with external agencies such as social care, police, and housing services. Mr Macaulay and Mr Bassan serve as Deputy Safeguarding Leads, with Mr Macaulay also acting as the designated senior leader for mental health.
Together, the safeguarding team works closely with the Directors of Student Development, meeting regularly to discuss ongoing welfare concerns and provide appropriate support and guidance. The Senior Leadership Team, Directors, Heads of Student Development, and key members of support staff are all trained to safeguarding lead standards.
All staff receive regularly updated safeguarding and child protection training, along with ongoing updates to ensure best practices are followed.
Safer Recruitment & Security Measures
- A central record is maintained for all staff and volunteers, including DBS check details.
- Visitors must sign in at reception and wear an ID badge with a lanyard indicating their level of safeguarding clearance.
- Senior staff and governors involved in recruitment have received recognised training in safer recruitment, ensuring all new hires meet safeguarding requirements.
Reporting & Student Awareness
- All staff, including non-teaching staff, understand the procedures for reporting safeguarding or welfare concerns.
- Students are introduced to the safeguarding team through assemblies and posters displayed around the school.
- Students know how to report safeguarding or welfare concerns, including anonymous reporting via our SHARP system.
eSafety & Wellbeing Education
- Students receive guidance on eSafety from the Computing department, as well as through assemblies, pastoral time, and personal development lessons.
- Workshops, guest speakers, and small-group interventions provide students with up-to-date knowledge on online safety, local and national safeguarding concerns, and emerging risks.
- Regular safeguarding, internet safety, and wellbeing updates are shared with parents via our school newsletter.
External Support & Community Involvement
- ICHS shares a dedicated school police officer who regularly visits the site to offer guidance, answer student questions, and resolve issues before they escalate.
- The school participates in Operation Encompass, providing additional support for families affected by domestic violence or abuse.
- The safeguarding team represents ICHS at local and cross-borough meetings with external agencies to ensure our practices remain informed by the latest guidance.
Our pastoral team is always available to support students and parents with safeguarding concerns, reinforcing our commitment to student safety and wellbeing.