Every Young Person Deserves to Feel Safe, Valued and Supported

The safety, wellbeing and protection of our learners are fundamental to everything we do at GUST Independent School.

We believe that feeling safe, respected and understood is essential for young people to thrive, both personally and academically. Our commitment to safeguarding extends beyond policies and procedures; it is embedded in our relationships, our school culture and the everyday care and support we provide.

Through a nurturing, inclusive and child-centred approach, we strive to create an environment where every learner feels a genuine sense of belonging, knows their voice matters and has trusted adults they can turn to whenever they need support.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and the wellbeing of our learners will always remain our priority.

Our Approach to Safeguarding

Safeguarding is about protecting children and young people from harm, promoting their welfare and ensuring they have the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe and supportive environment.

Our safeguarding responsibilities include:

• Protecting learners from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm.

• Supporting their physical health, mental health and emotional wellbeing.

• Creating a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment.

• Recognising potential safeguarding concerns and responding promptly and appropriately.

• Helping learners develop the confidence to express their feelings, share concerns and seek support.

• Working collaboratively with families, external agencies and safeguarding professionals to promote positive outcomes.

We understand that every young person has their own experiences, needs and circumstances. Our approach is therefore rooted in positive relationships, empathy and individualised support, ensuring that learners feel listened to and understood without judgment.

A Culture of Safety, Trust and Belonging

Positive relationships are at the heart of safeguarding at GUST.

We know that young people are more likely to seek help when they feel safe, respected and confident that adults will listen and take their concerns seriously.

By building trust, encouraging open communication and promoting mutual respect, we aim to create a school community where learners feel comfortable expressing themselves and know that support is always available.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is central to this approach. We promote a culture where individuality is celebrated, differences are respected and bullying, discrimination and harmful behaviour are challenged.

Every learner has the right to feel safe, to be heard and to be treated with dignity and compassion.

Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

GUST Independent School is committed to maintaining effective safeguarding arrangements in line with relevant statutory guidance and legislation.

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is reviewed at least annually and sets out the procedures followed to identify, report and respond to safeguarding concerns, including allegations involving members of staff.

Our wider safeguarding arrangements also include safer recruitment practices, anti-bullying procedures and measures to promote the safety and wellbeing of learners both within school and beyond.

Our safeguarding policies and supporting documents are available below and within the Policies section of our website.

Working Together to Protect Young People

Effective safeguarding relies on communication, collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting children and young people.

We work with families, local authorities, the police, Children's Social Care and other relevant professionals to ensure that safeguarding concerns are addressed appropriately and that learners receive the support they need.

Our wider safeguarding commitments include:

Operation Encompass

Supporting children and young people who may have been affected by domestic abuse through timely information sharing between the police and schools.

Operation Endeavour

Helping schools provide appropriate safeguarding support to young people following missing-from-home episodes.

Digital Safeguarding

Equipping learners with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

The Prevent Duty

Supporting learners to stay safe from radicalisation and extremist influences while promoting respect, inclusion and informed decision-making.

Further information about these safeguarding initiatives can be found within the Family Portal section of our website.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, we encourage you to speak to a member of our safeguarding team.

All concerns are taken seriously and handled sensitively, with information shared appropriately in accordance with safeguarding responsibilities.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Nigel Grant

Deputy DSL: Rebecca Cutts

GUST Trustee for Safeguarding: Paul Hedley

Telephone: 01670 850 943

Email: info@gustschool.com

safeguarding@gustschool.com

Out-of-term-time contact: 07957 178 507

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, please call 999.

You do not need to wait until the next school day to report an urgent safeguarding concern. Concerns can also be reported directly to Children's Social Care or the police.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

Our responsibility is not simply to protect young people from harm but to create the conditions in which they feel secure, supported and empowered to succeed.

By placing relationships, trust and wellbeing at the centre of our practice, we aim to ensure that every learner has the confidence to ask for help, the reassurance that they will be listened to and the opportunity to thrive in a safe and caring environment.

At GUST, safeguarding is more than a responsibility. It is a commitment to every young person, every day.