Milestone Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and requires all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.
Click on the links below to view the relevant information.
our designated safeguarding team
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Janet Tidmas, Deputy Principal
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sarah Goosani, Principal
Safeguarding Team
- Terry Brock, Vice Principal (Primary College)
- Sonia Sharma, Vice Principal (Secondary College)
- Claire Woolmer, Assistant Principal
- Michelle Hilton, Assistant Principal
- Kyle Marsh, Assistant Principal
- Noleen Donaghy-Parkhouse, Assistant Principal
- Carly Bailey, EYFS Lead
- Faye Mendez, Satellite Director
- Sofia Pinto, Satellite Director
- Nicola McCarthy, Satellite Director
Our team is dedicated to supporting you and can be reached during normal working hours of 8:30am-4:00pm during term time. Telephone: 01474 709420
Most children enjoy generally happy childhood experiences within their own family. Unfortunately for some this is not the case. During difficult family times, everyone who knows the child must do the best they can to protect them from future harm.
what to do if you are worried about a child
You must inform the safeguarding team if you become concerned about:
- Physical injury
- Presentation or physical appearance
- Changes of behaviour
- A disclosure of allegation
If you feel that a child may be at risk of harm but are not sure, then inform one of the Safeguarding Team immediately. They will offer advice and take appropriate action.
We all have a responsibility to keep children safe, both at home and at school.
identifying abuse
Abuse is identified in four ways:
Emotional
Emotional abuse is any type of abuse that involves the continual emotional mistreatment of a child. Emotional abuse can involve deliberately trying to scare, humiliate, isolate or ignore a child.
Physical
Any way of intentionally causing physical harm to a child or young person. It also includes making up the symptoms of an illness or causing a child to become unwell.
Neglect
Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs and the most common form of child abuse. A child might be left hungry or dirty, or without proper clothing, shelter, supervision or health care.
Sexual
When a child or young person is sexually abused, they’re forced or tricked into sexual activities. Sexual abuse can happen anywhere – and it can happen in person or online.
what to do if a child discloses they are being harmed
- React calmly
- Listen carefully to the child, particularly what is said spontaneously
- Do not promise confidentiality, explain to the child that you may need to pass on the information
- Do not ask leading questions or make judgements.
- Clarify and check your concern if you feel that you are not sure, but as soon as you believe there might be a genuine issue, ask no further questions as this may compromise further enquiries
- Reassure the child that they have done the right thing and inform them of the next steps
staff conduct
If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff following an observation or disclosure then you must:
- Inform the Principal immediately
- In their absence, inform a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team
keeping everyone safe
- All visitors must report to reception on arrival. You will be signed in and given a visitor pass which must be worn and visible at all times
- No visitor is permitted to enter the school via any other entrance under any circumstances
- Visitors are asked to read this leaflet in full on their first visit
- Switch off your mobile phone/device and store it in your bag. In the event that you do need to use your mobile phone or camera enabled device, please only do so in the staff room or in one of the offices
- Photographs are not to be taken unless by prior arrangement
- Be a good role model to our pupils by being respectful, fair and considerate of others. Remember children may interpret your words/actions differently
- All visitors must sign out at reception and return their lanyard before leaving
A RED lanyard indicated that the visitor will need to be escorted by a member of staff at all times
A YELLOW lanyard indicated that they are on our Approved Visitor list and do not need to be escorted.
ALL STAFF SHOULD CHALLENGE A VISITOR TO SCHOOL WEARING A RED LANYARD WHO IS NOT BEING ESCORTED BY A MEMBER OF STAFF.
spotting abuse
You may be concerned about a child or young person. You may or may not know them, or even their name. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Abuse can take many different forms, such as neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse and even emotional abuse.
take responsibility
Don’t assume that someone else will take responsibility and make that phone call. You could help to save a child’s life. If you are worried, report it.
Tell someone!
Please contact Specialist Children’s Services or the Police immediately:
- Kent Central Duty Team
Telephone: 03000 411111
Fax: 03000 412345 - Emergency Out of Hours
Telephone: 03000 419191
E-mail: social.services@kent.gov.uk - Kent Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit: 01622 690 690
If you need to advise us of a child or young person moving into Kent from another area, please contact the Safeguarding Unit on 01622 694157.
If you believe that a child or young person is at IMMEDIATE risk, you should treat this as an emergency and call the academy, or call 999 to report your concerns to the Police.