Safeguarding
Mount Tamar is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We strive to ensure that consistent and effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, pupils and staff at all of our schools.
We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs of physical/emotional harm or neglect and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Mount Tamar has policies and procedures in place to deal effectively with child protection and safeguarding issues, which include tackling radicalisation and extremism, together with recording and monitoring processes. To access our Child Protection and Safeguarding policy please click here.
To promote a safe environment for pupils, the school employs a strict selection and recruitment policy which includes all statutory checks on staff and regular volunteers including Enhanced DBS (disclosure and barring service) checks.
All of our staff undergo a comprehensive induction training programme which includes
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CPI Safety Intervention™ training, formerly known as MAPA®, incorporates trauma-informed and person-centred approaches. It promotes consistent, calm adult behaviour to help create an environment of empathy, compassion and respect for all.
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All staff are trained to a level appropriate to their safeguarding responsibilities. The training is monitored and comprehensive records kept. All staff have annual refresher training in Child Protection and Safeguarding
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All staff receive training on CPOMS which our schools use to report safeguarding concerns to our Designated Safeguarding Leads and track interventions and support.
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Where appropriate staff complete certificated First Aid training
Student attendance is monitored closely and concerns shared as appropriate with parents/carers, local authority Education Welfare Services, Social Care and the school Safeguarding team. Our schools work effectively with other agencies and parents/carers when necessary to safeguard young people
If a student is going to be absent from school, then a reason for absence should be shared with school via phone call to 07912 216579 or 01752 365128 as early as possible on the day of absence. If the absence is expected to be for more than one day, then an expected return date should be shared with school.
If no reason for absence is provided by 9.30 then calls home will be made.
If a student is absent for more than 3 days then parents/carers will be contacted to arrange a home visit.
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies, when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.
If you have any serious concerns about your child, another student or a member of staff at Mount Tamar please do not hesitate to contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who will be able to provide you with the best advice and help using the appropriate degree of confidentiality.
School Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Person for Children in Care :
Jenni Gordon 01752 365128
Or you can report concerns by email to mtsafeguarding@transformingfutures.org.uk
For any other concerns please contact the Centre Lead or Pastoral Lead for the base your child attends.
Other Useful Agencies
Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnerships - Working together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and families within Plymouth
Front Page - Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership
Plymouth Early Help - Early Help means taking action to support a child, young person or their family early in the life of a problem, as soon as it emerges. It can be required at any stage in a child’s life from pre-birth to adulthood, and applies to any problem or need that the family cannot deal with or meet on their own.
Early Help - Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership
Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership - Our aim is to make sure that children and families get the right support, in the right place at the right time.
The Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership (Devon SCP)
Torbay Safeguarding Children Partnership - Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility
Home - Torbay Safeguarding Children Partnership
Operation Encompass - Operation Encompass is a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling educational settings to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse.
NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC
Online safety – NSPCC guidance
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide
Shout: The UK's free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service | Shout 85258
Further local information can be found at
The Zone | Young People Support | Plymouth | Devon
Plymouth Online Directory - Plymouth Online Directory
Including Family Hubs: Family Hubs - Plymouth Online Directory
Plymouth substance misuse service (The Children’s Society) - This service is for young people under 18 who live in Plymouth and are struggling with drug or alcohol use.
Our approach is centred on the young person themselves, helping them to build on their existing strengths, skills, and relationships. We meet with the young person to find out what’s going on in their lives, how we can help, and what changes they want to make. Working alongside them we make a plan, breaking down the steps towards their goals.
Plymouth substance misuse services | The Children's Society
