Safeguarding
At WMAT, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a secure, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Our colleges and schools follow rigorous safeguarding policies and procedures, and all staff are trained to identify and respond to concerns promptly and effectively. Working closely with families, communities, and professional partners, we ensure that every child in our care is protected and supported to reach their full potential.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children means:
- Providing timely help and support to meet children’s needs as soon as concerns arise
- Protecting children from harm and maltreatment, whether in the home, at college, at school, or online
- Preventing impairment of children’s physical and mental health or overall development
- Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care environments
- Taking action to enable every child to achieve the best possible outcomes
A message below from Pete Barraud, WMAT Director of Safeguarding;
As Director of Safeguarding for WMAT, my primary mission is to ensure that every student within our Trust learns in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and heard. Safeguarding is not just a statutory requirement—it is the essential foundation for all academic and personal achievement. Without a sense of safety, children cannot truly thrive.
WMAT Safeguarding Policy
In my role as Director of Safeguarding, I provide strategic leadership and oversight across all our Colleges and Schools. My work includes:
- Ensuring safeguarding policies not only comply with national legislation but also reflect best practice in every school.
- Delivering high-level training and support to our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), equipping them with the confidence and tools to intervene early.
- Building strong partnerships with external agencies to create a holistic support network for our most vulnerable learners.
At WMAT, safeguarding is a “golden thread” running through every aspect of college and school life—from the physical security of our buildings to the online safety of our students. We cultivate a culture of professional curiosity, where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By maintaining a proactive, child-centred approach, we ensure our colleges and schools remain safe and nurturing environments for learning.
I am committed to ensuring that WMAT remains a leader in safeguarding and child protection, where the well-being of every young person is a priority. Together, we are building a community in which every student receives the protection and support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Working Together to Safeguard Children