What is Safeguarding

At Orchards Academy, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the safety and wellbeing of every pupil, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the Children Acts of 1989 and 2004. Our approach goes beyond compliance, we are building a culture where children feel safe, valued and empowered.

Our safeguarding curriculum plays a vital role in this. Through our Personal Development lessons, tutor time and assemblies, we give children the skills and knowledge on how to stay safe, make informed decisions and recognise risks - both online and offline. Topics such as healthy relationships, consent, online safety, peer pressure, extremism and mental health are delivered in age-appropriate evidence-based ways to equip our pupils for life beyond school.

We also work closely with families and external agencies to provide early help, targeted support, and coordinated responses to concerns.

On this page you’ll find our key safeguarding documentation, details of how to get support, and who to contact if you have a concern. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and together we can make a difference.

Immediate Danger

Call 999 for Kent Police if you think a child is in immediate danger. If you need advice and support with mental health, please call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Anita Woodward-Benn (Senior Leader: Inclusion and Pupil Experience)

Deputy Safeguarding Leads:

Jacquie Heaver (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead / Emotional Wellbeing Lead)

Hannah Carter (Headteacher)

Thomas Bird (Deputy Headteacher)

Andrew Crush (Associate Assistant Principal)

Debra Tomlinson-Anderson (Associate Assistant Principal)

Contact:

If you would like to confidentially contact a member of the safeguarding team at Orchard’s Academy (non-emergency and during school hours), please contact as via the details below.

Email: safeguarding@orchards-tkat.org

Telephone: 01322 665231 ext 208 (Term Time Only)