Safeguarding
Portland Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Our Recruitment and Selection Policy reflects this and is in line with Sunderland SCP guidelines and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021).
Safeguarding concerns are handled sensitively and professionally by appropriately trained, designated staff who are committed to supporting student well-being. The safeguarding of our students is of paramount importance to us, particularly taking into consideration their complex additional needs. This means that sometimes their behaviours can be misunderstood and misinterpreted by those around them. We work closely as a team which includes our SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator), specialist SALTs (Speech and Language Therapists), Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologist and a range of other specially trained staff.
Externally we liaise with a range of professionals including Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS), Intensive Positive Behavioural Service (IPBS), Community Treatment Team (CTT), health professionals and Social Care to ensure that our students feel safe and are protected from harm.
Designated Officers
Chris Kemp |
Designated Safeguarding Lead |
Karen Hart |
Designated Safeguarding Deputy |
Martin Hope |
Designated Safeguarding Deputy |
Steve Murphy |
Designated Safeguarding Deputy |
Rebecca Ross |
Designated Safeguarding Deputy |
Elaine Taylor |
Designated Safeguarding Deputy |
Ascent Safeguarding Lead
Sharon Common
Ascent Trustee for LAC (Looked After Children) and PDBWA (Personal Development, Behaviour, Welfare and Attendance)
Lynn Watson
Ascent Trustee for Safeguarding
Lynn Watson
Please note, not all the safeguarding team work during the school holidays.
If you have any safeguarding concerns during the school holidays, then please contact:
Sharon Common
Trust Safeguarding Lead
07795418938
Steve Murphy
Deputy Designated Lead
07741271237