At NRC, we take our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the students very seriously. To ensure that your child is safe, we do the following:

• Keep entrances and exits locked. Entry to the school by visitors is through the controlled reception.
• Ensure that all visitors are wearing identification tags.
• Have a clear Health and Safety Policy which includes evacuation procedures in case of fire or other emergencies, administering of medicines and first-aid safety when taking part in activities away from the school sites.
• Have an anti-bullying policy and promote a culture where bullying is unacceptable.
• Issue specific guidance on internet safety.
• Make sure that all staff working at the school has been thoroughly vetted before they are allowed to work with the students
• In line with KCSIE 2022 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.

New River College recognises the importance of creating and maintaining a safeguarding culture that will help all pupils to feel safe, secure and respected; encourage them to talk openly; and enable them to feel confident that they will be listened to.

We are committed to providing an environment where children can play, learn, develop and achieve, and where they are safeguarded and  enabled to disclose if they are being harmed in some way.

We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that all pupils receive effective support, protection and justice. New River College recognises that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse. We understand that children who are abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. While at school, their behaviour may be challenging and concerning and at times this may impact on other children either directly or indirectly. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach so that we can support all of our pupils.

Our school core safeguarding principles are:

• Schools are an important part of the wider safeguarding system for children.
• It is a whole-school responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• All children (defined as those up to the age of 18) have equal rights to protection regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity.
• All children have a right to be heard and to have their wishes and feelings taken into account.
• All staff understand safe professional practice and adhere to our code of conduct and other associated policies.
• All staff have a responsibility to recognise vulnerability in children and act on any concern in accordance with this guidance.

Safeguarding-related policies

To see our current Anti-bullying, Behaviour, Child Protection, e-Safety, Health and Safety, Medical Needs, Images of Children and other related policies, please go to our Policies section.