Safeguarding
Creating an environment where every student feels safe, respected, valued and able to achieve their full potential.
We care about the welfare and safety of all our students and work hard to create a supportive college community where students feel listened to, understood and confident that there are adults who will help and support them when they need it.
Safeguarding means protecting children and young people from harm, abuse and neglect, supporting their physical and mental wellbeing, and ensuring they can learn and develop in a safe environment where they can thrive. Safeguarding also means taking action when concerns arise so that every student has the best possible outcomes.
At Kimberley Sixth Form College, 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, a friend, or someone else. We take all concerns seriously and work closely with families and external agencies where appropriate 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 statutory Department for Education guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Who can help?
If you are worried about yourself, a friend, or something happening online, at college or outside of college, you can speak to any trusted member of staff. You can also contact a member of our safeguarding team directly.
Whether something is happening to you or you are concerned about someone else, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Kimberley Sixth Form 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
Mrs S. Rydeheard
Tel: 01234 762 890
Email: safeguarding@wootton.beds.sch.uk
Out of College 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.