Policy Updated: August 2024 Review date: August 2025
● SaMM Lead Safeguarding Officer (LSO) is: Anna Perry
● SaMM Deputy Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is: Richard Gonski
● LSO Contact Mob: Email: 07446909337 / anna-woods@hotmail.co.uk
● DSO Contact Mob: Email: 07773 443369 / rg@sammtotnes.org
● SaMM Safeguarding Trustee is: Emily Price
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and advice set out in the government statutory guidance for safeguarding at schools and colleges, Keeping children safe in education, September 2021.
All trustees, staff, volunteers, partners and beneficiaries are aware of this policy, all know how to apply the guidance set out within it.
The SaMM safeguarding policy makes clear how the organisation will:
● protect children, young people, volunteers and staff from harm
● make sure people can and know how to raise safeguarding concerns
● handle allegations or incidents
● respond, including reporting to the relevant authorities and agencies
As an organisation we recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all participants. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children and young people are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and will follow procedures set out in this policy document to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff and trustees and are consistent with those of the Devon safeguarding children board (DSCB).
Policy Principles ·
● The welfare of the child is paramount ·
● All children and young people, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection ·
● All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child or young person is at risk of harm ·
● Students and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support
Managing complaints, incidents and bullying
If there is concern regarding the abuse of any member of the SaMMs community it should be reported at once to the SaMMs designated safeguarding lead (or deputy). The designated SaMM safeguarding lead will take immediate action, this can include making a referral to children’s social care services (and the police if appropriate).
SaMM staff will seek to keep children and young people safe by valuing them, listening to and respecting them. Students and parents can talk to any member of staff who will listen to the concern and report it immediately to the designated officer or a member of the duty team.
Staff are aware of likely challenging, bullying or inappropriate behaviours between peers.
Students should report any concerns about such behaviours to a member of staff.
If a concern is raised or a disclosure is given it is important to ensure that a detailed record in the child’s / young person’s own words should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern. When recording this information, the individual should only note facts and distinguish what is personal knowledge and what others have said. Own opinions should not be included.This information should be recorded on the SaMM safeguarding ‘Record of Disclosure’ form and shared immediately with the deputy safeguarding officer.
Online Safety
Our students increasingly use electronic equipment on a daily basis to access the internet and share content and images via social networking sites. SaMMs staff will treat cyberbullying and sexting by students as seriously as any other type of bullying.
Incidents will be managed in line with the SaMM safeguarding policy, in serious cases this will include child protection procedures in association with other appropriate agencies.
SaMMs may facilitate live online sessions with its participants. Keeping children, young people and staff safe during these sessions is essential. Staff delivering remote sessions should be aware that the same principles set out in the policy principles apply.
Prevent Strategy
We are committed to providing a secure environment for students, where children feel safe and are kept safe. In relation to the Government ‘Prevent’ strategy, SaMM endorses the following accepted government definition of Extremism, as outlined in the Prevent Strategy 2015, which is: There is no place for extremist views of any kind at SaMM, whether from internal sources — students, staff or trustees, or external sources - external agencies or individuals. Our students see SaMM and KEVICC as a safe place where they can explore learning safely and where our teachers encourage and facilitate this, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills in an informed way. 
SaMM takes the welfare of all our students and staff extremely seriously and will take immediate and appropriate action when necessary.
