At UTC South Durham we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of our students. This page lays out our approach and a range of resources which parents and students might find useful.
Navigating being a teenager is complex and it is important that students have adults they can turn to and information to hand. We work with students to develop trusting, consistent and professional relationships. We acknowledge that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all of our staff are trained to be vigilant and aware of a wide range of potential concerns. We work closely with a range of organisations and support services to make sure that our students and their families are supported.
Our Safeguarding team at the UTC is very experienced and will be happy to help or give advice. If you have any concerns about the safety of your child or any child at the UTC then please contact us immediately.
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Tom Dower
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Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
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Julie Bushby
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Student Support Officer and Deputy DSL
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Leanne Tippey
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Director of Wellbeing and Deputy DSL
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Call the office number 01325 – 430 250 or email office@utcsouthdurham.org
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You can find our safeguarding policy here and a link to all of our policies here
Resources and guidance
We have a comprehensive calendar of education for students, which is delivered through briefings, Crew time and Drop Down Days. We also have a programme of communication for parents to help reinforce key safeguarding messages and provide guidance; this is largely through the weekly communications.
There is lots of advice on the internet. Here are some key areas which we are frequently asked about and links to find further information:
Staying safe and reporting concerns
As well as contacting the UTC, if you have concerns you can contact the police on 101 or your Local Authority. For Durham that is First Contact on 03000 267 979. For Darlington that is Children’s Services Front Door on 01325 406222 (option 2).
Useful advice can also be found on:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/
E-safety and staying safe on line
We live in a fast moving world in which increasingly sophisticated methods of communication are becoming available to all, including our children. As a school we embrace new technology and seek to harness its power in a safe manner. All of our students receive comprehensive e safety awareness throughout their time with us. Our e-safety policy may be read here. Valuable advice is available through the following websites:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/online-abuse/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers
Preventing Bullying
Good quality information is available through the NSPCC and Childline:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/types-bullying/
Mental health awareness and support
There are many resources online but the NSPCC, Place2be, Childline and YoungMinds have very good advice:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/supporting-your-child-s-mental-health/
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/mental-health/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/make-it-count-guide-for-parents-and-carers
Support through exams
Exams are stressful for teenagers and parents. We run sessions at the UTC to provide support and further valuable advice is available on the Childline and NSPCC websites:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/homework-revision/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/
Domestic violence support
We are part of the Operation Encompass https://www.operationencompass.org/ scheme to support young people involved in domestic violence. Useful advice can be found on the NSPCC and Childline websites:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/home-families/family-relationships/domestic-abuse/
Drugs, alcohol and smoking support
Support can be found on the Childline website:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/you-your-body/drugs-alcohol-smoking/
Preventing radicalisation
All staff have undertaken training to help them identify signs of radicalisation. You can find further valuable information on the NSPCC and Educate Against Hate website:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/dedicated-helplines/protecting-children-from-radicalisation/
https://www.educateagainsthate.com/parents/
Gender identity support
Students and parents often ask for guidance about issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. Here are some useful links:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/sex-relationships/gender-identity/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/sex-relationships/sexuality-sexual-orientation/
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/sexual-identity/