Villiers High School - Safeguarding

Safeguarding

At Villiers High School, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of our pupils are at the heart of everything we do. We know that young people are more able to learn, develop and thrive when they feel safe, supported and listened to. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to maintaining a strong safeguarding culture in which concerns are identified early, acted upon promptly and students know how and where to seek help.

Our safeguarding practice is informed by the latest statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026. We work closely with parents and carers, the local authority, children’s social care, police, health services and other agencies to provide appropriate help, support and protection for children and young people.

Responding to concerns

Pupils are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else. All staff are trained to listen carefully, take concerns seriously and respond appropriately. Staff cannot promise complete confidentiality where there is a safeguarding concern. If a pupil shares information that suggests they or another young person may be at risk of harm, this information will be shared with the Safeguarding Team so that the right support can be provided. Information is handled sensitively and shared only where necessary.

Any member of staff who has a concern about a student's safety or welfare must report it promptly to the Safeguarding Team. Where necessary, the school will work with external agencies or make a referral for additional help or protection.

Our safeguarding arrangements include:

A trained Designated Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Team with clear systems for reporting and responding to concerns.
Regular safeguarding training and updates for all staff so that they understand their responsibilities, recognise potential indicators of abuse, neglect or exploitation and know how to respond.
Safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate pre-employment checks and maintaining the school's Single Central Record.
Early identification and support, working with families and other professionals where children may benefit from early help or additional intervention.
A strong safeguarding curriculum through PSHE, assemblies, form time and the wider curriculum, helping pupils understand healthy relationships, consent, online safety, exploitation, bullying, discrimination and how to seek help.
Clear procedures for responding to child-on-child abuse including bullying, sexual harassment, sexual violence and harmful behaviour within young people's relationships.
A strong focus on online safety including appropriate filtering and monitoring systems designed to help protect pupils from harmful or inappropriate online content.
Appropriate support for vulnerable pupils including those experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or other safeguarding concerns.
Effective governance and oversight with leaders and governors regularly reviewing safeguarding practice, policies and procedures.

Online safety

Online safety is an important part of safeguarding. We teach pupils how to use technology safely and responsibly and maintain appropriate filtering and monitoring arrangements across the school network. These systems form part of our wider approach to protecting students from illegal, inappropriate and potentially harmful online content.

We also encourage parents and carers to talk regularly with their children about their use of technology, social media, gaming and online relationships.

Working together

Effective safeguarding depends on strong partnerships between school, families and other professionals. Wherever appropriate, we aim to work openly and constructively with parents and carers. There may, however, be circumstances where information must be shared with safeguarding agencies without prior parental consent in order to protect a child.

At Villiers High School, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in which every pupil feels valued, knows they will be listened to and can flourish.

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a pupil, please contact the school's Safeguarding Team.

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 B Reynolds

Deputy Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs A Pau

Assistant Headteacher & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs F Reynolds

Assistant Headteacher & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr T Williams

Assistant Headteacher & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ms C Davis

Lead Safeguarding Officer

Ms C 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