Safeguarding

Policies and Useful Documents

Safeguarding at Alec Hunter Academy

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children underpin the school’s support for our students. 

We have a legal duty to protect children from maltreatment; prevent impairment of children’s health or development; ensure that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and take action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Where a child is suffering significant harm, or is likely to do so, we have a legal duty to take action to protect that child. We also have a duty to promote the welfare of a child in need of additional support, even if they are not suffering harm or are at immediate risk.

Alec Hunter staff form part of the wider safeguarding system for children and we work with social care, the police, health services and other services to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Mr Booth, Assistant Headteacher, is the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mrs Watson, Assistant Headteacher, is the Deputy Lead. Several other members of staff, including Student Support Leaders and the Headteacher, are safeguarding trained to Level 3. The Safeguarding Team provides support to staff members to carry out their safeguarding duties and liaise closely with other services such as children’s social care.

When concerns or allegations involve members of staff, the Headteacher will be informed immediately. The school will then follow the Essex Local Authority procedures for managing allegations against staff. In the event of an allegation against the Headteacher, the Chair of the Local Governing Body will be informed, who will seek the advice of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). 

Please click here to view the school's Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.

Please click here and search for Keeping Children Safe in Education (Government Reports)