Safeguarding

The welfare of our children and young people is paramount, and safeguarding is at the forefront of our recruitment and training processes. To this end, Astra SCITT has a clear Safeguarding Policy.

All staff, and everyone involved in the SCITT whether trainee, tutor or partner, is expected to share this commitment, and therefore to behave in such a way that upholds our values.

If you have a concern

In accordance with our responsibilities under section 175/157 of the Education Act 2002, and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, we have an Acting Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection, Mrs Stephanie Rodgers. You can contact Stephanie via email sro@challoners.org or telephone 01494 787500.

You can also call the Buckinghamshire Social Care First Response Team on 08454 600001, or if a child is at immediate risk of significant harm, call 999.

Dr Challoner's safeguarding policy can be found here and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 may be accessed here.

If you have concerns for a child in a partner school

If you have concerns for the wellbeing, health or safeguarding of a child in a partner school, you should always follow the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.

Information for Applicants to Teacher Training

All applicants for teacher training and all staff will be subject to pre-training and/or pre-employment checks, including:

health screening
identity checks
relevant qualification checks
right to work in the UK check
a minimum of two references (or more)
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
Childcare Disqualification checks
Disqualification by Association Declaration (where applicable)
professional registration (for qualified teaching staff)

Please note that no places on the course will be confirmed until clearance from all the above checks has been obtained.

The DBS check will reveal all convictions, reprimands and cautions even if considered spent within the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Please see the DBS Code of Practice for more information.