Safeguarding Statement & Policy

Safeguarding (statement below)  | Full Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Statement

Kent and Medway Training (KMT), an Accredited Provider of ITT, is a member of Leigh Academies Trust (LAT). The Trust’s mission is to deliver “education for a better world” by ensuring that young people have an excellent start in life, regardless of their background or ability. At the centre of our mission is our commitment to safeguarding. Our vision is for all children, young people and adults to feel safe, and for anyone who works or trains within our organisation to share this responsibility.

We promote a culture of vigilance amongst our staff and an acceptance that “it can and does happen here”

At KMT we are committed to safeguarding and have robust procedures to ensure Associate Teachers have been through rigorous checks before they start the course. These checks follow mandatory guidance set out in the Initial Teacher Training: Criteria and Supporting Advice. Before anyone is admitted on our programmes, they must be deemed suitable to train to teach in order to protect children and young people from trainee teachers who might put them at risk of harm. KMT staff keep up to date with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance and training, and ensure that all trainees have been subject to appropriate pre-selection tasks.

Staff and trainees know that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

KMT Staff and Associate Teachers know that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All KMT staff have safeguarding training that is updated annually in light of changes in legislation. All staff members are Prevent trained. All staff who are involved in the interview process complete Safer Recruitment training. Leaders ensure that policies and procedures are compliant with both the law and Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships. All KMT staff and Associate Teachers have read, understood and agreed to follow safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Although safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone working with our pupils, LAT has a Trust Safeguarding Advisor and KMT has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The Safeguarding Advisor has strategic responsibility for safeguarding arrangements across the Trust and the DSLs has responsibility for safeguarding for KMT.
KMT’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Polly Butterfield-Tracey, Head of KMT. Polly has completed annual safeguarding training and keeps up to date with the latest child protection news and developments. If you have a concern about any adult or child, speak to Polly.