Safeguarding

At Leigh Academy Minster we take our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children seriously.  The academy plays an important role in the wider safeguarding system for children and all of our staff receive appropriate and ongoing training.  Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility and we know how important it is that children are happy and safe.

The Leigh Academy Minster Safeguarding Team

As of September 2024:

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mr Mortley
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (principal) – Mr Stevens
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mr Spocchia
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Ms Spocchia
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Ms Green
  • Safeguarding Officer/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Ms Garrard
  • Safeguarding Officer/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Ms Cutler

Safeguarding at Leigh Academy Minster 

  • We know what our roles and responsibilities are to keep you safe.
  • We take all allegations, suspicions and concerns seriously and report them properly.
  • We talk to other people about any concerns to develop the best way to help you.
  • We complete risk assessments to ensure that all potential dangers in learning activities have been identified.
  • We have assemblies, lessons and action days where we learn about safeguarding such as online safety, sexual harassment and violence and anti-bullying.
  • We treat everyone fairly with dignity and respect.
  • All adults will listen to what you have to say with an open mind.
  • Adults will not ask leading questions so that you have to reveal more details.
  • If they are worried about your safety, they might invite another professional to talk to you.
  • Adults will never stop you from freely talking or sharing about significant events
  • Adults will ensure that all concerns are recorded.
  • Adults will not promise to keep secrets.
  • They will explain that they have a responsibility to report what has been said to someone else if they are worried about your safety.
  • All adults will immediately tell the Safeguarding Team if they are worried about your safety.
  • Speak to an adult at school if you are worried about something, it could be a teacher, your tutor, your head of college or one of the Safeguarding Team.
  • Be aware that you are not alone and that people will always help you.
  • Be aware that there are lots of support services available.

Report a Safeguarding Concern Out of Academy Hours

If you are concerned about a safeguarding matter which is outside of academy hours, then please contact the Police on 101 or Kent Social Services on 03000 41 61 61. If it is an emergency, then please contact 999.

As parents/ carers, you can also self-refer to a number of services and there is a wealth of free support you can access online or via the phone to support your child. Further guidance and advice is provided from a variety of services outlined on the following websites: Childline, NSPCC and CYPMHS.

Additional Information

Sexual Violence and Harassment

Online Safety

Child-on-Child Abuse

Healthy and Respectful Relationships

Safeguarding Websites and Links

Other Useful Safeguarding Websites that are available to staff and parents.