Safeguarding
Here at Prestolee SCITT, we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. Staff, trainees and associates are all expected to share this commitment, handling concerns sensitively and professionally to protect children from harm. Safeguarding is embedded into our training practices and our partnership school expectations to ensure we can provide high quality learning in a safe environment for all.
Our Core Principles
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The welfare of children is paramount
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Children and young people should be provided a safe environment in which to learn
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All children and young people have a right to freedom from abuse
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Children and young people have a right to be treated with respect and dignity, as do the adults who work with them
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It is the responsibility of all adults to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
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All children and young people must have the opportunity to express their views about decisions taken about their lives
Our Role
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Ensure trainees have completed all mandatory pre-course checks before commencing the programme
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Provide safeguarding training to all trainees to build awareness and understanding, and where appropriate extend this to partnership schools
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Ensure all SCITT staff are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
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Provide all partnership schools with an annual partnership agreement and set out our expectations clearly
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Ensure partnership schools provide adequate induction for all trainees
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Communicate clearly and effectively with all partnership schools to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, and ensure trainees are safe within their environment
Trust Designated Safeguarding Lead
SCITT contact to report any form of Safeguarding incident or arrangements whilst on placement
Rebecca Dunne
SCITT Strategic Lead & Deputy CEO of Prestolee Multi-Academy Trust
Our Partnership Schools
All of our partnership schools have a duty to comply with all current and future UK legislation and statutory responsibilities. Partnership schools are expected to take responsibility for a trainee’s welfare whilst on placement, and seek appropriate advice when concerns about a trainee’s personal life arise.
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For more information, please see our Partnership Agreement.
Their Role
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Be familiar with relevant government legislation
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Read and consent to our partnership agreement
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Take appropriate steps to understand what safeguarding means in practice, in the context of the responsibilities they have for the people undertaking teacher training
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Ensure that all people working with young or vulnerable people have had an appropriate check completed with the Disclosure and Barring service
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Appoint appropriate staff when working with a trainee in a position of trust
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Promote and advance equality and diversity and eliminate discrimination
Pre-Course Safeguarding Checks
In accordance with statutory guidance, we are required by law to undertake safeguarding checks on all trainees entering schools. These checks are built into our interview and on-boarding processes and will be completed prior to the start of the programme. The following checks will be completed prior to your start on one of our programmes.
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Identification
Two forms of identification will be required and verified. One must confirm your Right to Work in the UK, such as a passport or visa. See full government guidance for acceptable documents.
2
Criminal Records Check (DBS)
An enhanced DBS check will be completed at no cost if you are not on the update service, within three months of your programme start date. If you have lived abroad for three months or more, an Overseas Police Check is also required.
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Further Checks
Further checks include the Barred List (within the Enhanced DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Orders (DfE database), and Childcare Disqualification, including by association (via signed declaration). An online check is also completed during the onboarding process to confirm suitability.
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References
Two references are required for your application. These may include your most recent employer, a head teacher, university tutor, or another professional referee. References must be from a work-based email. Character references are only accepted in exceptional circumstances.