Villiers High School - Safeguarding

Safeguarding

At Villiers High School, the safety and well-being of our pupils are at the heart of everything we do. We take our responsibility for safeguarding and child protection very seriously, recognising that when young people feel safe and supported, they can thrive both academically and emotionally. This, in turn, empowers them to make positive contributions to the wider community.

We are committed to maintaining clear, consistent, and effective safeguarding procedures to meet our statutory duty to protect and promote the welfare of every young person in our care.

In line with the Department for Education’s guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE, 2023) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2025), we embrace our role in safeguarding wholeheartedly. We work closely with the local authority and trusted external agencies to ensure that the safety and well-being of our pupils remain our highest priorities.

Sometimes, a student may share sensitive information with a member of staff, and staff are trained to listen to our young people. In such cases, staff will listen carefully and reassure the student, while making it clear that concerns about their safety may need to be shared with others in order to protect them. Staff cannot promise absolute confidentiality, but they will always handle information sensitively and respectfully.

When a member of staff has concerns about a student’s safety or welfare, they are required to report these promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Staff are regularly updated on their responsibilities through training and briefings, ensuring a vigilant and proactive safeguarding culture across the school.

Our safeguarding practice includes:

Robust recruitment procedures to help identify and prevent individuals who may pose a risk to children.
A comprehensive PSHE curriculum, alongside Form Time and assembly programmes, that teaches pupils how to stay safe, recognise unacceptable behaviour, and seek help if they have concerns.
High-quality safeguarding training for all staff members.
Appropriate support and intervention for any child who has experienced or is at risk of abuse.
A committed Governing Body, Headteacher, and staff who fully understand their safeguarding responsibilities, remain alert to potential signs of abuse, and act swiftly by referring concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

At Villiers High School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By working together, we create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every young person can flourish.

Our Safeguarding Team:

Should a Safeguarding or Child Protection need arise, it will become the responsibility of the Safeguarding Team. The team is comprised of the following staff:

Ms Beth Reynolds		Deputy Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Ann Pau		Assistant Headteacher & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Thomas Williams		Assistant Headteacher & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Ms Christiana Davis		Lead Safeguarding Officer
Ms Christine Kane		Designated Safeguarding Officer

If you have any concerns about a child’s welfare, please contact the Safeguarding Team using the dedicated safeguarding email account: safeguarding@villiers.ealing.sch.uk or by calling the school on 020 8831 8001 and asking to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.

For out of hours emergency Safeguarding concerns (before 8am and after 4:30pm during school weekdays, weekends and school holidays), please contact your relevant Local Authority designated duty line. For Ealing, you should contact children and families on 020 8825 8000 or the Police on 999 in emergency situations.

Additional resources:

If you require further help or guidance, you can also contact the following organisations