Safeguarding

The most important thing for our children is their safety. We foster a culture of vigilance amongst staff, students, parents and visitors. We always listen to children and take their concerns seriously. Please do not ‘wait and see’ - if you have any concerns please contact the College immediately. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at the College is Mrs West, and the Child Protection Officers are Mrs West and Mrs White (SEMH Manager). Their email addresses are  vwest@fromecollege.org.uk and JWhite@fromecollege.org.uk

Some useful information can be found from the Somerset Safeguarding Children Board Safeguarding Somerset

The NSPCC offer a free 10-minute digital training session called 'Listen up, Speak up' which helps empower every adult to know what to do if a child needs help, and where to go if you need support yourself. ConnectTheDOTS

Our safeguarding procedures

MNSP Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Keeping Children Safe in Education - Sept 2024

Safeguarding Poster for Staff - Feb 2023

Safeguarding Poster for Students - June 2024

SHARE (Schools Health and Resilience Education) Letter

You can read Online Safety Tips for Children on the NSPCC website.

More information regarding our safeguarding procedures can be found on our policies page.

 

Help us to help your child and their friends stay safe

Students can find talking to adults difficult or intimidating when it comes to personal subjects or difficult situations. If you suspect your child, or your child’s friend, is suffering from bullying, emotional, sexual or physical abuse, ‘sexting’, etc, please don’t ‘wait to see what happens’, tell someone!

What happens next?
The College will investigate all reports made and an appropriate member of staff will be assigned for take further action. You will be kept informed of all progress.

Bullying
We are committed to developing a culture of inclusion, tolerance and respect in order to encourage mutually supportive students at Frome College. We take bullying very seriously. Bullying is unacceptable, regardless of who bullies, how it is delivered or what reasons are given to justify it.

How can I tell if someone is being bullied?
We realise that people who are bullied do not always show their hurt and speak about it, but there are some signs to look out for:

  • Being frightened of walking to or from school
  • Doesn’t want to go on the school/public bus
  • Begs to be driven to school
  • Changes their usual routine
  • Is unwilling to go to College(school phobic)
  • Begins to truant
  • Becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence
  • Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
  • Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
  • Feels ill in the mornings
  • Begins to do poorly in school work
  • Comes home with clothes torn or books damaged
  • Has possessions which are damaged or ‘go missing’
  • Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
  • Has dinner or other monies continually ‘lost’
  • Has unexplained cuts or bruises
  • Comes home starving (money/lunch has been stolen)
  • Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
  • Is bullying other children or siblings
  • Stops eating
  • Is frightened to say what’s wrong
  • Gives improbable excuses for any of the above
  • Is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone
  • Is nervous or jumpy when a cyber-message is received

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.

If you suspect your child is being bullied please report your concern to their tutor, Head of House or the Safeguarding Team so that we can investigate. It is important that you advise your child not to fight back as it could make it worse. Parents/carers must help us ensure we have a culture of tolerance and respect at school by promoting this at home.

No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Bullying has been linked to potential damage to the mental health of a victim and can have longer term consequences. Bullying directly impacts on the emotional wellbeing of students and we will ensure that any reports of bullying are dealt with in accordance with the College’s anti-bullying policy.

Frome College will ensure that support is in place for the victims of those who have been bullied and that they are supported with their emotional wellbeing; we will work to promote positive wellbeing and building resilience. Whilst we will discipline those that bully others, we will also offer help to them to change their behaviour.

Where can you get some advice?

 

Website for young people to view their legal rights

Law Stuff is a website for young people aged between 10 and 21 years of age to help them understand and access their legal rights. It covers topics such as:

  • Police and Law
  • Children’s Services
  • Education
  • Not from the UK
  • Home and Family
  • At what age can I
  • Abuse and bullying
  • Sex health and drugs
  • My rights
  • Online safety

 

Advice for Visitors and Volunteers

Click the link below to read the leaflet.

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Feedback from my child suggests they are really pleased with the approach from the teaching staff.
Parent