Safeguarding

Will Kerr-Dineen is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). He has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection at Windlesham House. The DSL is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns and coordinates the school’s response to any issues that arise.

The DSL receives specialist training which is updated every two years, attends regular network meetings with other DSLs and stays current with safeguarding developments and best practices.

We have several Deputy DSLs who can act in the absence of the DSL. This ensures that there is always a trained safeguarding lead available during school hours and boarding times. Members of the senior leadership team as well as other key staff are trained to Deputy DSL level.

Every member of staff, whether teaching, support, administrative, catering, grounds or any other role has safeguarding responsibilities. All staff receive safeguarding training during induction and undertake annual refresher training. Staff understand how to recognize signs that a child may be at risk and know how to report concerns.

We follow rigorous safer recruitment practices when appointing staff. This includes

• Thorough interview processes with at least one panel member trained in safer recruitment
• Enhanced DBS checks for all staff and regular volunteers
• Verification of identity, qualifications, and employment history
• At least two references with follow-up to verify authenticity
• Prohibition checks for teachers
• Overseas checks where applicable
• Maintaining a single central record of all pre-employment checks

No one works with children at Windlesham House until all appropriate checks are complete and satisfactory.

Our 70 acre site is secure with controlled access points. Visitors must report to reception, sign in and wear identification badges. CCTV operates in public areas (not in boarding accommodation or changing areas) to enhance security. Regular patrols by senior staff and security personnel further ensure safety.

In today’s digital world, online safety is crucial. Our approach includes

• Filtering and monitoring
  Robust filtering systems protect pupils from inappropriate content. Internet use is monitored to identify concerning behavior
• Education
  Pupils receive age-appropriate online safety education through computing lessons and PSHE. Topics include cyberbullying, privacy, appropriate communication and critical evaluation of online content
• Acceptable use
  Clear policies govern pupils’ use of school technology and bring-your-own devices
• Social media awareness
  We educate pupils about social media risks and responsible use

We conduct thorough risk assessments for all activities, trips, and environments. This proactive approach identifies potential hazards and implements appropriate controls to minimize risk while still allowing pupils to enjoy varied, exciting experiences.

We safeguard against all forms of abuse and harm including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, cyberbullying, peer-on-peer abuse, sexual harassment, sexual violence, child sexual exploitation, child criminal exploitation, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, extremism and radicalization and any other harm to children. Staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse and to respond appropriately.

Peer-on-peer abuse is harmful behavior by children towards other children. This can include bullying, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sharing of inappropriate images. We take peer-on-peer abuse extremely seriously and address it through our behavior policy, pastoral support, education and where appropriate, involvement of external agencies. Both the victim and perpetrator receive support to address the harm and underlying causes.

If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare, please contact Lex Bolton, our Designated Safeguarding Lead, immediately at abolton@windlesham.com or call the school office on 01903 874700. In an emergency or if you cannot reach the DSL, contact the Head or any member of the senior leadership team. You can also contact West Sussex Children’s Social Care directly on 01403 229900 if you believe a child is in immediate danger.