Safeguarding

Safeguarding Team

The Leigh Academy Safeguarding team continues to grow with a wealth of experienced staff ensuring students and parents have access to help and advice whenever necessary. Please do get in contact with Mark Shepherd (DSL) or any of his fully trained team if you have any concerns or questions in relation to Safeguarding, emotional well being or mental health issues.

Designated Safeguarding Leads and other safeguarding staff

  • Julia Collins – Academy Principal and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Mark Shepherd – Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Lee Forcella-Burton – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Louise Taylor – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Sarah Forde – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Kevin Brewer – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Mathieu Stevens – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Sana Morgan – Designated teacher for children in care
  • Mike Williams – E-Safety Co-ordinator
  • Kelly Maxwell – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Safeguarding Policy

The Leigh Academy Safeguarding policy has been created to ensure the safety and well being of its students. The policy is updated every academic year with annual staff training provided for every member of the Leigh Academy staff.

Regular updates and professional development training are also provided with students also regularly reminded who are the members of The Leigh Academy Safeguarding team and how they can easily be contacted.

Safeguarding at The Leigh Academy – May 2021

Over the past year there has been a significant rise in attention around the issue of sexual harassment within schools. The website ‘Everybody’s invited’ has drawn much publicity for the shocking testimonials from over 10,000 people describing sexual abuse by other young people. Ofsted has now published a review into safeguarding policies and practices on sexual abuse in state and independent schools and colleges. Schools have been encouraged to pass on as much information from the DSL to all parents, staff and students as possible.

Ofsted Review of Safeguarding Policies

The government also asked Ofsted to undertake an immediate review of safeguarding policies in state and independent schools. The review looked at the extent and the severity of the issue to ensure schools have appropriate processes in place to allow pupils to report concerns freely, knowing these will be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately. The review concluded in May 2021.

Read the full report here

The Leigh Academy has is clear message and there is a ZERO tolerance on sexual violence/sexual harassment and Peer on Peer abuse. Through the Healthy MInds programme students discuss all of the key issues around positive relationships and issues such as harassment and consent. The staff ultimately want the Leigh Academy students to have a healthy and respectful relationship.

Please have a look through some of the websites and links below. The websites and links provide a wealth of information for parents and teachers to access with key facts, figures and useful resources.

Safeguarding Websites and Links

Other Useful Safeguarding Websites that are available to staff and parents of The Leigh Academy.

CLICK CEOP Internet Safety logo
Visit the CEOP internet safety site

CEOP Button

CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the Click CEOP button.

If you are experiencing online bullying or something else online has worried you, please speak to an adult you trust, or you can talk to Childline at any time on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk