Safeguarding

Varndean Sixth Form College is committed to providing a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes our values and the emotional, mental health and wellbeing of students. Our Safeguarding processes and procedures are in alignment with annual updates from Keeping Children Safe In Education (KCSIE).

We recognise the importance of providing an environment within the college that will help students feel safe and respected. We provide support platforms to allow students to talk openly and to feel confident that they will be listened to.

We understand the need to teach children and young people the skills they need to stay safe and to ask for help if they need it and this is at the heart of our Pastoral Curriculum. For example students learn about Prevent, Consent and Varndean (British) Values within this programme of study.

We recognise that all adults within the college, including permanent and temporary staff, volunteers and governors, have a full and active part to play in protecting our students from harm. We recognise the importance of enabling all adults to share the full range of possible concerns about students and about adults promptly.

We will work with students, parents/carers to build an understanding of the college’s responsibilities to ensure the welfare of all children and young people, and vulnerable adults, including the need for referrals to other agencies in some situations.

We will always try to work in partnership with families but in any conflict between the needs of the child, young person or vulnerable adult and those of parents/carers or professionals, the needs of the young person must come first.

Safeguarding team

Designated Safeguarding Lead – Lisa Watkin-Stevens
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – George Marshall
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – George Dickinson
Safeguarding Support Officer – Karen Corbett

If you need to contact the Safeguarding Team you can do so by telephoning the College switchboard on 01273 508011 or emailing safeguarding@varndean.ac.uk

If you are a student with a concern you can speak to any staff member at the College for guidance or go directly to the Safeguarding Office (room 20).

If you need to access support outside of College hours in an emergency situation you should contact:111, 101 or 999 for immediate help.

Apply for September 2026 entry

Safeguarding