At Ansford we passionately believe that every student, regardless of their personal circumstances, has the right to the very best education, care and support in order to develop into confident and well rounded young people. Ansford Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent, effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, students and staff at school. All adults who have a role in school undertake the annual Somerset safeguarding training every year and are fully compliant with the Department for Education’s Keeping Children Safe In Education recommendations and requirements. Any concerns are passed through the members of staff who are trained as Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)  in school in compliance with the sharing of information guidance.

The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their children. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents. The school’s child protection policy is available publicly on the website.

Pastoral care at Ansford is very important. Each year group at school comprises of four tutor groups; your child’s tutor should be your first port of call should you have any query or wish to pass on information. Each year group has a Head of Year:

We provide care and support for children in all aspects of their academic and mental health and wellbeing needs. We are a MHST school (Mental Health Schools Team) so can refer students where low level CBT interventions can help; Heads of Year can refer students to our school counsellor where this may be of benefit and we also signpost students to online and in person help provided by external agencies to enable them to manage their own mental health needs and wellbeing. This takes place in PSHCE lessons, through assemblies and through the tutorial programme. We are a ‘telling’ school and encourage students to approach staff when they feel they may need help, guidance or support and encourage Ansford students to act as advocates for each other and seek help for their friends if they are concerned.

Please note that your child’s tutor will be the first point of contact in many cases.