Safeguarding

At STFC  the safety, happiness, and well-being of our learners always come first. We understand that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and listened to, and we are committed to creating an environment where this is always the case.

All of our staff share a collective responsibility to protect and support every learner working together to prevent harm, reduce risk, and respond with care and understanding. Safeguarding for us means more than just protection; it’s about building trust, promoting confidence, and empowering students to have a voice in their own wellbeing.

Our dedicated Safeguarding Team are always here to help, ensuring every learner and family experiences a warm, positive, and supportive educational environment.

📧 Email: safeguarding@mi-et.co.uk

What is Safeguarding? 

Safeguarding means protecting the health, well-being, and human rights of our learners, keeping them safe from harm, abuse, or neglect.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about creating a safe, caring, and supportive environment where every young person feels valued, respected, and listened to.

Our team work closely with families and external professionals to identify and respond to any concerns quickly and appropriately. We make sure that every learner knows they have a voice, and that they can always turn to a trusted adult for support.

Safeguarding isn’t just a policy, it’s a commitment to ensuring that every child and young person at MI can learn, grow, and thrive in safety.

Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our business.

Responsibilities

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. 

Our Responsibilities

The MI Safeguarding Team, working with the STFC safeguarding team, have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils within MI Independent Schools. The team provides guidance, training, and support to staff, and works closely with school leaders and external safeguarding partners to make sure our safeguarding practice is strong, consistent, and continually reviewed.

Beyond safeguarding, the team also support pupils with a wide range of well-being and pastoral needs, ensuring that every young person feels safe, valued, and supported in school and beyond.

Staff Responsibilities

Every member of staff at STFC plays a vital role in keeping our pupils safe. All staff are trained to recognise signs of harm or neglect, respond appropriately to concerns, and create a positive environment where learners feel confident to speak up.

Safeguarding is embedded in everything we do from the classroom to extracurricular activities and is a shared commitment across our whole school community.

Parents and Carers Responsibilities

Parents and carers play an essential role in safeguarding and supporting the well-being of their children. At MI Education, we believe that effective safeguarding is a partnership between home and school. We encourage parents and carers to:

  • Stay engaged with school life and communicate regularly with staff.
  • Share any concerns about their child’s safety, behaviour, or emotional well-being.
  • Reinforce messages about online safety, respectful relationships, and personal boundaries at home.
  • Model positive behaviour and support their child’s confidence to speak up if something feels wrong.

By working together, we can make sure every child receives the care, consistency, and protection they deserve.

Pupil Responsibilities

At MI Independent Schools, we encourage our pupils to take care of themselves and each other. If something doesn’t feel right whether about their own safety or someone else’s pupils are taught to speak to a trusted adult straight away.

Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and listened to, and every member of our school community has a role to play in protecting one another.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, together, we keep our school safe.

If You Have a Concern

If you are ever worried about the safety or well-being of a child, it’s important to speak up! No concern is ever too small!

Pupils: If you feel unsafe, upset, or worried about something or if you’re concerned about a friend, please talk to a trusted adult at school. This could be your teacher, teaching assistant, or a member of the Safeguarding Team. You will always be listened to and taken seriously.

Parents and Carers: If you have any concerns about your child or another pupil, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a member of the Safeguarding Team straight away. We’re here to help, listen, and take action where needed.

Staff and Visitors: If you are working or visiting within MI Independent Schools and have a safeguarding concern, report it immediately to the DSL or DSO.

📧 Email: safeguarding@mi-et.co.uk or bernadette-stone@mi-et.co.uk

 

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, please contact the police (999) or your local children’s social care team without delay.

Signposting and support

We all get overwhelmed and need help occasionally. Sometimes it’s easier to reach out and talk to a stranger. Click below to find a list of useful contact numbers, charities and places that offer support.

 

Hub of Hope

The Hub of Hope is a bespoke search engine that provides fast access to a range of local and national support services. Either type in the postcode of where you require support or click the orange button to find a service near to you.

KCSIE 2025

Keeping Children Safe In Education 2025 is the key statutory guidance that sets out what schools and colleges should be doing when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

 

Working together to Safeguard Children

An illustrated guide for children, young people and their families