We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.

The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff and governors and are consistent with those of the Devon safeguarding children board (DSCB).

Policy Principles

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection
• All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm
• Pupils and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support

If you have a concern regarding the abuse of any member of our community it should be reported to a member of the Child Protection Team.

Students should talk to a member of staff who will listen to the concern and report it immediately to the designated officer or a member of the team.

Students should report any concerns about bullying to a member of staff.

Online Safety

Our pupils increasingly use electronic equipment on a daily basis to access the internet and share content and images via social networking sites.

The College’s E-safety policy explains how we try to keep pupils safe in College and protect and educate pupils in the safe use of technology. In order to make the expectations clear, all students and parents sign an acceptable use policy.

Cyberbullying and sexting by pupils will be treated as seriously as any other type of bullying and will be managed through our anti-bullying procedures.  Serious incidents may be managed in line with our sexual exploitation policy or child protection procedures

Many pupils own or have access to hand held devices and parents are encouraged to consider measures to keep their children safe when using the internet and social media at home and in the community. Parents receive an annual magazine on e-safety, developed by Vodaphone. In addition, the following links are to websites which are aimed at supporting parents to educate and keep their children safe online.

http://www.devonsafeguardingchildren.org/

https://www.ceop.police.uk/Ceop-Report/ 
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/ 
http://paceuk.info/for-parents/
https://www.facebook.com/safety/groups/parents/
https://help.instagram.com/154475974694511/
http://www.connectsafely.org/wp-content/uploads/snapchat_guide.pdf
http://kik.com/legal/
https://support.twitter.com/articles/470968-families

Prevent Strategy

We are committed to providing a secure environment for students, where children feel safe and are kept safe.

In relation to the Government ‘Prevent’ strategy, KEVICC uses the following accepted government definition of Extremism, as outlined in the Prevent Strategy 2015, which is:

'Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs; and/or calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas'

There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our College, whether from internal sources — students, staff or governors, or external sources - College community, external agencies or individuals. Our students see KEVICC as a safe place where they can explore controversial issues safely and where our teachers encourage and facilitate this, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking, to challenge and debate in an informed way.