Safeguarding

Fortis Trust is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety and dignity of every child, young person, supported intern and member of staff across all our provisions.

As a wholly inclusive Multi‑Academy Trust serving children and young adults with a wide range of learning needs, disabilities and vulnerabilities, we recognise that strong, proactive safeguarding is fundamental not only to educational success but to the wellbeing, stability and life chances of those we serve.

Our approach is rooted in a whole‑trust culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It is embedded through rigorous policies, robust professional standards, and unwavering vigilance from trustees, leaders, staff, governors, volunteers, and partners. We operate within the statutory frameworks of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), ensuring that all systems, processes and training reflect the most up‑to‑date national guidance and Medway local authority pathways.

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We work continuously to create environments where children and young people feel safe, are listened to, and are empowered to share worries or concerns. As a trust that includes Bradfields Specialist SEND Academy and Forward2Employment, we understand the unique safeguarding needs of learners with SEND, including communication challenges, social vulnerabilities, exposure to higher‑risk contexts, and dependency on trusted adults. Our safeguarding practice therefore emphasises early identification, tailored support, multi‑agency collaboration, and trauma‑informed, child‑centred approaches.

We also recognise that safeguarding extends beyond pupils: a safe workforce is essential to a safe learning environment. Fortis Trust therefore safeguards its staff through clear professional guidelines, a culture of openness, supportive whistleblowing processes, protection from unfounded allegations, and wellbeing‑focused leadership. In doing so, we ensure that staff can confidently model the highest standards of professional conduct and provide exceptional care to the children and young adults entrusted to us.

Our Safeguarding Leadership

Trust‑Level

Safeguarding Trustee: Peter Martin

Trust Safeguarding Monitoring Lead: Marie Sweetlove‑Smyth

Tel: 01634 683990  Email: marie.sweetlove@fortistrust.co.uk

Provision‑Level DSLs

Bradfields Academy DSL: David Waters

Forward2Employment DSL: Elizabeth Halton

Local Governance

Bradfields Local Governor for Safeguarding: Mike Kemlo

Trust Central Contact – Reception

If You’re Worried About a Child or Young Person

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Medway First Response / SPA: 01634 334 466 (Mon–Fri 9–5)  03000 419 191 (out of hours)

On Trust Premises: Request the DSL or a member of the safeguarding team via reception.

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (confidential advice)

Students/Interns can contact Childline at any time 0800 1111, http://www.childline.org.uk

Concerns About an Adult Working or Volunteering With Us

If you are concerned about a staff member, volunteer, contractor or visitor:

Report to the Principal/Headteacher, or if the concern is about them, to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chair of Governors/Trustees.

We will consult the Medway Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours.

LADO: 01634 331 065   child.protection@medway.gov.uk

NSPCC Whistleblowing: 0800 028 0285

Our Safeguarding Standards

  1. Policy & Governance
    Annual policy reviews; Medway‑aligned procedures; strategic oversight from Trustees and LGCs.
    Compliance with KCSIE 2025 and Working Together 2023.
  2. Training & Culture
    Mandatory induction, annual updates to child protection and safeguarding training, prevent training and role‑specific training (including DSL and governor training). Parents receive regular safeguarding emails providing bite-sized safeguarding updates.
  3. Safer Recruitment
    Robust vetting: DBS, Barred List, identity checks, references, online checks, and SCR compliance.
  4. Online Safety, Filtering & Monitoring
    Systems that meet the DfE digital & technology core standard, reviewed annually for effectiveness.
  5. Multi‑Agency Partnership
    Close collaboration with Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP), using local thresholds and escalation routes.
  6. Specific Safeguarding Issues
    Additional specific procedures for child‑on‑child abuse, CSE/CCE, sexual violence/harassment, Prevent, HBA/FGM, domestic abuse (Operation Encompass), online risks, and children absent from education are in place and outlined within provision policies.

Our Provisions

Bradfields Academy

  • DSL: David Waters
  • DDSL: Emma McGregor-Davies
  • Safeguarding Governor: Mike Kemlo

Policies available via Bradfields website – https://www.bradfieldsacademy.co.uk/about/policies/

Forward2Employment

  • DSL: Elizabeth Halton

Policies available via Forward2Employment website – https://www.forward2employment.co.uk/about/policies-safeguarding/

How We Safeguard Our Staff

A safe workforce is fundamental to safeguarding children. Fortis Trust promotes the safety and wellbeing of its staff through:

  1. Clear Professional Boundaries & Expectations

All staff receive and sign the Staff Code of Conduct, ensuring clarity around safe working practice, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and digital behaviour.

  1. Protection From Unfounded Allegations

Allegations are managed fairly and transparently in accordance with KCSIE and LADO processes. Staff are supported throughout, with welfare and HR support available.

  1. Safe Working Conditions

Health & safety procedures, risk assessments, positive handling guidance/PRICE Training, and secure digital systems protect staff from physical and online risks.

  1. Training & Development

Staff receive regular safeguarding, Prevent, online safety and behaviour training, enabling them to work confidently and safely.

  1. Culture of Openness

Fortis Trust maintains a culture where concerns can be raised without fear. Staff may also contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line (0800 028 0285) if they feel unable to raise concerns internally.

Policies & Key Documents (link to other pages)

Keeping Children Safe In Education 2025

Working Together 2023

DfE Filtering & Monitoring Standard. 

Accessibility

If you require this information in an alternative language or format, please contact: office@fortistrust.co.uk or 01634 683990

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