What is Safeguarding?

At Leigh Academy Rainham your health, safety and welfare are really important. We respect each other and know that it is important to be happy and safe in school.

Our LAR Safeguarding team

Key Documents

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 LAR Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Working Together to Safeguard Children

Safeguarding at Leigh Academy Rainham

  • 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 activities have been identified.
  • We have themed assemblies, lessons and other opportunities where we learn about Safeguarding such as e-safety 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 never stop us from freely talking or sharing about significant events
  • Adults will make accurate and specific notes of discussions to make sure 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 form tutor, your College Student Services Managers, your Head of College or one of the Safeguarding or Inclusion 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 Medway Social Services on 01634 334466. 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: ChildlineNSPCC and CYPMHS.

Sexual Violence and Harassment

Online Safety

Peer-on-Peer Abuse

Healthy and Respectful Relationships

Safeguarding Websites and Links

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