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 peopleÂ
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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 2023.
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.
Identification
Two forms of identification are required to verify your identity. This is checked against the DBS approved list of documents.
At least one form of identification will verify your Right to Work in the UK, including:
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Valid (or expired) UK/EU passport
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Non-EU passport with visa and Biometric Residence Permit
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EU National ID card
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Full UK birth certificate or adoption certificate and National Insurance number
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Certificate of Naturalisation and National Insurance number
Criminal Records Check (DBS)
We conduct an enhanced DBS check for individuals who are not on the DBS update service, which will be of no cost to you. These checks will be completed no earlier than three months prior to your programme start date.
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Where trainees have been abroad for three months or more, an Overseas Police Check will be required in addition to this.
Further Checks
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Barred List – this is checked as part of the Enhanced DBS Check
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Prohibition from Teaching Orders – a check of the DfE database is completed
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Childcare Disqualification (and Disqualification by association) – signed declaration as part of the on-boarding process
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Online check – completed as part of the on-boarding process
References
Two entry references are required as part of your application. These should be from the following:
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Your most recent employer
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Head teacher of a school where you have been employed, volunteered, or on placement
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One other professional reference
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University tutor (academic) reference
All references should derive from a referee’s work-based email. Character references are accepted depending on individual circumstances.