Safeguarding

Every child safe. Every voice heard. Every concern acted upon.

At St Annes College Grammar School (SACGS), safeguarding is not a standalone policy – it is a lived culture embedded in every interaction, decision and system. We are uncompromising in our duty to protect, support and advocate for every child.

You do not need proof to report a concern. If something doesn’t feel right, report it.

🚨 Report a Concern

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Andrea Burrell
📧 andrea.burrell@sacgs.co.uk

Deputy DSLs
Lucy Bridge
📧 lucy.bridge@sacgs.co.uk

Abigail Welsby (Principal / Deputy DSL)
Wendy Cottier-Brown (SENCo / Deputy DSL)

⚠️ Urgent Safeguarding Concern

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

🔴 No Concern is Too Small

You do not need certainty or evidence.
Professional curiosity saves lives.

Our Safeguarding Culture

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• Pupils are listened to, believed and taken seriously
• All concerns are recorded, reported and acted upon without delay
• Staff demonstrate professional curiosity and vigilance
• Early Help and prevention are prioritised
• We operate a trauma-informed, relational approach
• We maintain a zero-tolerance culture for harm, abuse and neglect

Safeguarding Leadership

• Andrea Burrell – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Abigail Welsby – Principal / Deputy DSL
• Wendy Cottier-Brown – SENCo / Deputy DSL
• Lucy Bridge – Deputy DSL

What Safeguarding Looks Like at SACGS

• Daily pastoral check-ins and visible safeguarding presence
• Strong, trusted staff–pupil relationships
• Early identification of need and timely intervention
• Continuous emotional and pastoral support
• Robust monitoring through CPOMS recording systems
• Low-level concerns recognised, challenged and escalated
• Clear, consistent risk assessment and safety planning
• Multi-agency collaboration with external professionals

Statutory Framework & Compliance

SACGS safeguarding practice is fully aligned with:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) – latest statutory guidance
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• The Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Education Act 2002 (Section 175/157 duties)
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
• Independent School Standards (ISS) Regulations
• Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years, Education and Skills (ISI framework alignment)

Specialist Safeguarding Areas

We demonstrate expertise across all key safeguarding domains:

• Child-on-child abuse (including sexual violence and harassment)
• Online safety, filtering and monitoring (DfE standards compliant)
• Prevent Duty & protection from radicalisation (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)
• Domestic abuse and contextual safeguarding
• Mental health and wellbeing (DfE guidance)
• Attendance, CME and safeguarding
• Looked After Children and previously looked after children
• SEND and safeguarding vulnerabilities
• Harmful sexual behaviour
• County lines, exploitation and serious youth violence

Key Safeguarding Systems & Practice

• Safer recruitment in line with KCSIE (including SCR compliance)
• Mandatory annual safeguarding training for all staff
• Induction safeguarding training before working with pupils
• Regular DSL and Deputy DSL training (Level 3+)
• DSL and DDSL Social Work Qualified (MA and Dip SW)
• Whole-school Prevent Duty training
• Robust allegations management procedures
• Clear whistleblowing procedures
• Secure and detailed recording via CPOMS
• Regular policy review and safeguarding audits

Early Help & Multi-Agency Working

We work proactively with:

• Children’s Social Care
• Early Help Teams
• CAMHS
• Police and Prevent Teams
• Health professionals
• Local Authority SEND teams
• Operation Encompass
• The Sea Breeze Project
• Fylde Coast Women’s Aid (FCWA)
• AFC Fylde
• Home-Start BWF

We believe in early intervention to prevent escalation and ensure the best outcomes for children.

Our Commitment

At SACGS, safeguarding is not reactive – it is proactive, expert-led and relentless.

We create a culture where:

• Children feel safe, seen and supported
• Staff feel confident to act
• Families feel trusted and engaged
• Safeguarding is visible, rigorous and uncompromising