Safeguarding
Keeping our children safe is our highest priority
At Aspire, the health, safety and well-being of every child and young person is our top priority. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment to safeguarding our pupils.
We listen to our students and take what they tell us seriously. All school staff have regular safeguarding training and students are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs of safety and wellbeing, and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Our Aspire safeguarding policy has been written in line with DfE guidelines, legislation, and the Buckinghamshire Area Safeguarding Team. It can be viewed on our website, under Policies.
We carry out the appropriate HR and safeguarding checks on all our staff, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
If our concerns about a child or young person may mean that we have to consult other agencies. We will usually ensure that concerns are discussed with parent/carers first, before any referrals are made. We will not do this if we believe that such a move may be contrary to a child or young person’s welfare.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Polly Kempson (pkempson@aspireap.org.uk) is Aspire's Director of Safeguarding and is supported by a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads and a Designated Teacher for Children who are Looked After, across each of our schools and services.
These are:
- Blueprint: Jessica Robinson, Head of School (jrobinson@aspireap.org.uk)
- CSEC: Kate Baptiste, Head of School (kbaptiste@aspireap.org.uk)
- The Wycombe Grange: Jake Brindley, Head of School (jbrindley@aspireap.org.uk)
- Shortenills: Liz Wolfenden, Head of School (lwolfenden@aspireap.org.uk)
- Shortenills Abbey: Joanne Hodge, Site Leader (jhodge@aspireap.org.uk)
- Orchard House: Polly Kempson, Head of AMP (pkempson@aspireap.org.uk)
If you are concerned about the safety of a child, you can email the appropriate DSL on the above email address. If you are not sure which school or service the young person in question is part of, you can contact our administration team on office@aspireap.org.uk and they can direct you to the right person. Alternatively, you can contact the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board.
