Safeguarding at Saffron Walden County High School

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children underpin the school’s support for our students. 

We have a legal duty to protect children from maltreatment; prevent impairment of children’s health or development; ensure that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and take action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Where a child is suffering significant harm, or is likely to do so, we have a legal duty to take action to protect that child. We also have a duty to promote the welfare of a child in need of additional support, even if they are not suffering harm or are at immediate risk.

SWCHS’s staff form part of the wider safeguarding system for children and we work with social care, the police, health services and other services to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Matthew Blayney, Deputy Headteacher, is the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and Paul Singh and Sharon McCormick are the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. They provide support to staff members to carry out their safeguarding duties and liaise closely with other services such as children’s social care.

When concerns or allegations involve members of staff the Headteacher will be informed immediately. The school will then follow the Essex Local Authority procedures for managing allegations against staff. In the event of an allegation against the Headteacher the Chair of the Local Governing Body will be informed who will seek the advice of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). 

Safeguarding Contacts
Designated Safeguarding Lead Mr Matthew Blayney Tel: 01799 513030 Email: MBlayney@swchs.net	Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs Sharon McCormick  Tel: 01799 513030 Email: SMcCormick@swchs.net
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Mr Paul Singh Tel: 01799 513030 Email:PSingh@swchs.net	Sixth Form Safeguarding Officer Mrs Jo Chapman Tel: 01799 513030 Email: JChapman@swchs.net