Bales College Safeguarding

Our commitment

Bales College is a small school, and that is central to how we keep our students safe. Staff know every young person individually — their routines, their friendships, and when something is not quite right. Safeguarding at Bales does not depend on a system noticing a change; it depends on people noticing, and on knowing exactly what to do next.

The welfare of our students is the first consideration in every decision the school makes. We aim to provide an environment in which every student, aged 11 to 19, feels safe, listened to and valued, and in which any concern — however small it may seem — is raised without hesitation.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult at Bales College. It is not delegated to a single person or a single policy. Every member of staff, every visitor and every governor-equivalent role holder shares it.

What we mean by safeguarding

Safeguarding is broader than child protection.

In practice this covers pastoral care, mental health and emotional wellbeing, online safety, attendance, behaviour and anti-bullying work, health and safety, the safe recruitment of staff, and our response to concerns about anyone who works at the school.

Who to talk to

If you have any concern about the safety or welfare of a Bales student, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Mrs Poonam Sachdeva dsl@balescollege.co.uk · 020 8960 5899

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads: Dr Ben Moore (Head of School), Mr John Corcut

Proprietor (safeguarding oversight) Mr William Moore