Safeguarding comes first. Keeping children safe is our highest priority.
At the Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to creating schools where children feel safe, valued and supported, and where concerns are identified and acted upon quickly.
All of our schools follow the same Trust-wide Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, alongside statutory guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Every school has a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and uses the MyConcern system to record and manage safeguarding concerns.
Trust Safeguarding Team
Our Trust Safeguarding Team provides strategic leadership, advice and support across all DCAT schools.
Head of Safeguarding & Trust Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Dominique Ivil
Trust Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mark Talbot, Chief Executive Officer
Safeguarding Governance
Jack Dunn, Chair of the Trust Board
Nick Wilkinson, Safeguarding Lead Trustee
Contact the Trust Safeguarding Team trustdsl@dcat.academy
Raising a safeguarding concern
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child, please act without delay.
Concern about a child or young person – Contact the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Headteacher.
Concern about a member of staff or volunteer – Contact the Headteacher.
Concern about a Headteacher or Trust Centre colleague – Email the Trust Safeguarding Team at trustdsl@dcat.academy.
Concern about the Chief Executive Officer – Contact Jack Dunn, Chair of the Trust Board or your Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
If a child is in immediate danger – Call 999 immediately.
Additional support
If you or someone you know needs help, advice or wishes to report concerns, the following organisations can help:
CEOP – Support and reporting for online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Childline – Free, confidential support for children and young people. Call 0800 1111.
NSPCC – Advice and support for children, families and professionals. Call 0808 800 5000.
Whistleblowing
If you do not feel able to raise a safeguarding concern with the Trust, or you believe appropriate action has not been taken, you can contact your Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line for independent advice and support.