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Support & Safeguarding

Keeping young people safe

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We maintain the highest standards to ensure all young people feel safe, supported and heard.

Our designated safeguarding lead

Martin Chandler, Designated Safeguarding Lead at ConnectFirst Academy

Martin Chandler

Designated Safeguarding Lead — first point of contact for concerns

Our DSL leads safeguarding practice and is the first point of contact for any concern. They work closely with external agencies and ensure all staff receive regular, up-to-date safeguarding training.

martin.chandler@pathwaygroup.co.uk
Urgent safeguarding concerns

If a child is in immediate danger call 999. For other urgent safeguarding concerns, contact our safeguarding team directly by email at info@connectfirstacademy.co.uk.

Our commitment

We recognise that young people in alternative provision may be particularly vulnerable. Our approach to safeguarding is proactive, relational and trauma-informed.

  • 1All staff complete enhanced DBS checks and receive regular safeguarding training.
  • 2We maintain clear reporting procedures and work closely with local safeguarding partners.
  • 3Young people are taught to recognise risks and know who to talk to if they feel unsafe.

Quick-access guidance

What to do if…

Clear, practical steps for staff, partners and families. If in doubt, always speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead — it is never your job to decide whether a concern is serious enough.

…a young person discloses abuse

  1. 1Listen calmly and take what they say seriously — do not promise to keep it secret.
  2. 2Do not investigate, lead or ask leading questions.
  3. 3Record the facts in the child's words as soon as possible.
  4. 4Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.

…you have a concern about a child's welfare

  1. 1Note what you have seen or heard, with dates and times.
  2. 2Share the concern with the DSL the same day — never sit on it.
  3. 3Trust your instincts; it is always better to check than to wait.
  4. 4Follow up to confirm the concern has been logged and actioned.

…you're worried about online safety

  1. 1Reassure the young person and avoid blame.
  2. 2Preserve any evidence — do not delete messages or images.
  3. 3Report concerns to the DSL and, where needed, CEOP.
  4. 4Review online safety guidance and agreed device use with the learner.

…a young person is at immediate risk

  1. 1If there is immediate danger, call 999 without delay.
  2. 2Make sure the young person is safe and not left alone.
  3. 3Contact the DSL and local children's social care.
  4. 4Record everything as soon as it is safe to do so.

Pastoral Care

How we support young people

Our pastoral approach is built on strong relationships, consistent support and understanding individual needs.

Trauma-informed practice

All staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches, understanding how adverse experiences affect behaviour and learning.

Key worker system

Every young person has a dedicated key worker who knows them well and advocates for their needs.

Family support

We work closely with families, offering regular communication and support to address challenges together.

Multi-agency working

We collaborate with external agencies including CAMHS, social care and specialist services.

Safeguarding resources

Policies & downloads

Download our key safeguarding and pastoral policies below. If you need an alternative format or a document not listed here, please contact us.

Child Protection & Safeguarding PolicyHow we identify, respond to and report safeguarding concerns. Download PDFOnline Safety PolicyKeeping young people safe online and managing digital risks. Download PDFAnti-Bullying PolicyOur zero-tolerance approach to bullying in all its forms. Download PDFBehaviour & Positive Relationships PolicyRelational, restorative approaches to behaviour and conduct. Download PDFSafer Recruitment PolicyHow we recruit and vet staff to keep young people safe. Download PDFWhistleblowing PolicyHow staff and partners can raise concerns confidentially. Download PDF

Learn what makes a high-quality alternative provision provider.

Read best practice

Learning Joyfully

Curiosity, engagement and a genuine sense of joy in every day.

Achieving Meaningfully

Real progress and recognised achievement that matters to each young person.

Growing for Life

Skills, confidence and resilience that last well beyond their time with us.