Safeguarding
We are committed to creating an environment where every student feels safe, respected, valued and able to achieve their full potential.
We are concerned about the welfare and safety of all our students and work hard to provide a supportive community where students feel listened to, understood and confident that adults will help them when they need support.
Safeguarding means protecting children and young people from harm, abuse and neglect, supporting their physical and mental wellbeing, and ensuring they can grow up in a safe environment where they can thrive. Safeguarding also means taking action when concerns arise so that all students have the best possible outcomes.
At Wootton Academy, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We promote a culture where students are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else. We take all concerns seriously and work closely with families and external agencies to ensure students receive the support they need.
Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is a key part of this commitment and is based on the statutory Department for Education guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Who can help?
If you are worried about yourself, a friend, or something happening online or outside of school, you can speak to any trusted member of staff. You can also contact our safeguarding team directly.
Wootton Academy Safeguarding Team
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mrs K. Gardner-Oyemade
Email: kgardner-oyemade@wootton.beds.sch.uk
Safeguarding Officers
Mr R. Gardner
Tel: 01234 767 123
Email: safeguarding@wootton.beds.sch.uk
Out of School Hours
Bedford Borough Integrated Front Door
Tel: 01234 718700 (office hours)
Tel: 0300 300 8123 (out of hours)
Email: IFDinformation@bedford.gov.uk
Central Bedfordshire Integrated Front Door
Tel: 0300 300 8585 (office hours)
Tel: 0300 300 8123 (out of hours)
Email: ifd@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
NSPCC
Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Operation Encompass
Our school is part of Operation Encompass.
This is a police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people who experience Domestic Abuse.
Operation Encompass means that the police will share information about Domestic Abuse incidents with our school prior to the start of the next school day when they have been called to a domestic incident. Our priority is always to help safeguard children who attend Wootton Academy and we will continue to work with the police and other relevant external agencies to achieve this, as required.
The Operation Encompass information is stored in line with all other confidential safeguarding and child protection information.