Schools have a responsibility to ensure, as far as possible, that students are safe from harm or abuse by others, be this in school, in the community or in their home. This is most commonly referred to as the school’s Child Protection Policy.
We have a statutory duty to refer a concern where information would indicate that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed. Such information may arise directly from a disclosure by the child, from behaviour presented by the child or from another party. For children and young people who live in West Sussex referrals are forwarded to the Children’s Social Care (Social Services) via the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) County Hall North in Horsham.
At Oathall any such child protection issues that arise are reported to the school’s designated safeguarding leads Miss L Gyngell, Assistant Headteacher, Mrs J Newnham, Associate DSL or Mr. T Houghton, Headteacher.
A copy of the college’s Child Protection Policy can be downloaded from this page or is available on request from Miss Gyngell.
Raise a concern about a child
If you think a child is at risk of being harmed, abused, or neglected, Oathall would always advise parents to contact West Sussex County Council Children’s Social Care. The best way to raise a concern with them is to complete their online form. This form can be found on their website here along with other information and contact details. If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.