Safeguarding

At Brockenhurst College, the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority.

Safeguarding means protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm and making sure they feel safe, supported and able to succeed. We aim to create a culture where students feel respected, listened to and confident to ask for help.

We follow national safeguarding guidance and work closely with local services including social care, health professionals and the police to support students when needed.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

A student speaking to staff while staff makes notes
A student talking to a teacher while the teacher listens, both are sat down.

What Safeguarding Covers

You can talk to us about any concern. This may include:

  • Bullying, harassment or discrimination
  • Mental health worries
  • Online safety and social media concerns
  • Relationship or friendship issues
  • Sexual harassment or unwanted behaviour
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Feeling unsafe at home, in college or in the community
  • Exploitation or pressure from others
  • Radicalisation or extremist influence
  • Concerns about a friend

If something doesn’t feel right, let us know.

Further Information

More detailed information can be found on the College Policies section here

How Students Can Get Help

Students can speak to any member of staff, who will make sure the right support is provided.

You can contact:

  • The Safeguarding and Welfare Team by emailing safe@brock.ac.uk
  • Your tutor
  • Student Support Team
  • Any teacher or support staff

You will be listened to, taken seriously and supported.

If you feel someone is in immediate danger outside of the College hours, call 999.

Student talking to a teacher

Our Safeguarding Team

Our trained safeguarding staff respond to concerns and make sure students receive the right help as quickly as possible.

photo of Steve
Photo of ruth
Photo of Debra

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Steve Jenkin

Safeguarding and Welfare Manager

Senior Mental Health Lead

Ruth Harrison

Safeguarding and Welfare Officer

Debra Collins

There are multiple Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads based across all College campuses, and details of these staff members are displayed on posters and screens. The team also works with parents and external agencies where appropriate to keep students safe.

Two students sat across from each other in conversation

How We Keep Students Safe

Safeguarding at Brockenhurst College is part of everyday college life. We support students through:

Support

  • Support plans for vulnerable students
  • Referrals to external agencies (Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care, CAMHS)
  • Young Carer support
  • The College has a Designated Teacher for Looked After Children and Care Leavers

Prevention

  • Zero tolerance of any form of discrimination or harassment
  • Raising awareness and educational campaigns
  • Healthy relationships and consent education
  • Online safety guidance
  • Tutorials and enrichment sessions on staying safe

Protection

  • Trained staff and safer recruitment checks
  • Clear safeguarding procedures and policies
  • Effective partnerships with safeguarding and external agencies
  • Monitoring of attendance and welfare
  • Focus on preventing harm as well as responding to concerns

Transition support for Looked After Children and Care Leavers

Supporting Looked After Children’s transition to Brockenhurst College begins in Year 10 and continues through the Welcome Week and beyond. Please see key dates below:

Year 10

  • Designated Teachers at feeder schools encourage Looked After Children to attend an Open Event at Brockenhurst College while in Year 10 (towards the end of the Summer Term)
  • Year 10 students will meet the College’s Designated Teacher who will oversee support and transition

Year 11 – Autumn Term:

  • Designated Teachers at feeder schools encourage and support Looked After Children’s applications to the College
  • Students can attend Open Events to support decision-making and preparation

Year 11 – Ongoing transition planning/support:

  • Collaboration between Designated Teachers and attendance at the final Year 11 PEP (Personal Education Plan) meeting
  • College Designated Teacher supports transition. For example, Freshers’ Day, GCSE results day, enrolment and Welcome Week

Key contact:

Designated Teacher: Ruth Harrison – rharrison@brock.ac.uk

Student and teacher sat opposite each other, student talking to teacher while teacher takes notes

The Prevent Duty

The College has a legal duty to help prevent people from being susceptible to extremism or terrorism.

We support students to:

  • Understand and promote British Values
  • Respect different views
  • Stay safe online
  • Report worrying behaviour
  • Our approach is educational, supportive and preventative

Parents and Carers

We work in partnership with parents and carers.

If you are worried about a student’s safety or welfare, please contact our Safeguarding Team by emailing safe@brock.ac.uk

We are here to listen.

Student in library with a teacher looking at the student smiling
female student sat with friends smiling

External Support

Outside of college hours, if you feel unsafe/in crisis, or if there is an emergency, always dial 999.

Out of hours you can contact:

Mental health support

  • Samaritans hotline – call 116 123
  • Papyrus (Hopeline UK) – call 0800 068 4141
  • Kooth
  • Shout – text 85258
  • Mind – text 86463
  • The Mix – 0808 808 4994

Alcohol and substance support 

Get in touch

If you cannot find the information you are looking for or would like to talk to a member of staff, contact us now by phone or email.

Tel: 01590 625555

Enquiries: safe@brock.ac.uk