Safeguarding & Child Protection

At LIPA Sixth Form College, we want all young people to remain safe and free from harm. We are committed to playing a full and active part in the multi-agency response to child protection concerns. 

We have a legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people and to have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. College staff have a crucial role to play in noticing indicators of possible abuse or neglect through their day-to-day contact with young people, and their work with families. 

Parents and carers should be aware that where it appears to a member of staff that a young person may have been abused, the school is required, as part of the local child protection procedures, to report their concern to Children’s Services immediately. 

• Young people have a right to be safe, to be listened to, valued and respected.
• Parents/carers have a right to be informed of any concerns regarding their child.  
• Young people are best protected when parents/carers and college work together.
• All staff are given appropriate training and support. 
• All staff are subject to rigorous Safer Recruitment checks.

We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and two Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) with responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. 

• These staff are Victoria Smith (DSL), Amy Deane (DDSL) and Lyndsey Healey (DDSL).
• They attend multi-agency training at least once every two years and local network meetings including Headteachers briefings which include Safeguarding updates. 
• All staff are trained in basic child protection awareness each year.  
• Safeguarding matters are discussed in staff briefings and Liverpool SIL SG briefings are uploaded to CPOMS for all staff.    
• Our Child Protection and Safeguarding policy is accessible on the college website and it’s reviewed annually. 
• The college addresses the issue of young people's safety education and awareness through the curriculum and in personal development sessions. 
• We will share all allegations or concerns that a young person has been or is likely to be at risk of significant harm with Children’s Services (relevant to the local authority area in which you live).
• College will work with other agencies when it has concerns that a young person may have been abused or neglected. 
• College will discuss with parents/carers any concerns they have about their child.
• Confidentiality information from parents/carers about possible child abuse cannot be kept confidential. Information and records about children on the Child Protection Register will be given only to those people who need it and will be kept strictly confidential by them. 

• LIPA Sixth Form College is part of Operation Encompass. Our Key Adults are Lyndsey Healey (Deputy DSL) and Victoria Smith (DSL).

• If we have a safeguarding concern about your child, we will communicate this with you whilst consideration is given to the best interests and the safety of the child. 
• We encourage all parents and carers to contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Victoria Smith, if they have a worry about their child and would like some support. You can contact the DSL by phoning the main college number and asking to speak with Victoria Smith or you can email her at v.smith@lipasixthformcollege.org or safeguarding@lipasixthformcollege.org.
• The college safeguarding team is available during term time between the hours of 8.30am-4pm and can be contacted by phone (0151 330 3232) and email (safeguarding@lipasixthformcollege.org). Outside these times, a member of SLT can be contacted on 07421226635

Key Contacts

Principal:                                                                    Charles Bartholomew

Designated Safeguarding Lead:                               Victoria Smith

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead(s):              Amy Deane & Lyndsey Healey

Designated Teacher for Looked-after Students:     Amy Deane

Senior Mental Health Lead:                                     Amy Deane

Link Governor for Safeguarding/Child Protection: Susan Doherty

Chair of Governors:                                                   Dr Joanna Moriarty

Further support, guidance and information to support parents and carers can be found on our Safeguarding pad let page linked here:  SAFEGUARDING SUPPORT