At Richard de Clare Community Academy the health, safety and well-being of every child is our primary concern. We are all committed to safeguarding our school community by ensuring that we provide an environment for pupils that is safe, secure and one where pupils have confidence in our staff to care for them and keep them safe from harm and risk.

All school staff are trained in Child Protection. Staff are trained to look out for the four signs of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual and neglect. All staff, volunteers and visitors are required to report these and any other concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Miss Lucinda Bellett (Headteacher) and can be contacted via email: safeguarding@richarddeclare.com or via telephone to the main office 01787472153 and selection option two.

Richard de Clare takes the welfare and safety of students very seriously, working hard to reduce any kinds of harm that children can suffer, including abuse, bullying, discrimination and avoidable injuries. We strive to ensure that every child in school feels safe, secure and well cared for to enable them to reach their full potential.

On occasion, our concern about a child may mean that we have to consult with external agencies. We will ensure that all concerns are initially discussed with parent/carers, before any referrals are made, unless we believe that such a move may be contrary to a child’s welfare.

With this in mind, to ensure that all children are safe both inside and outside of school, we ask that if you have any concerns surrounding any pupil of Richard de Clare Community Academy that you make contact with a member of the Safeguarding and Pastoral team at your earliest convenience.

If the issue is urgent and the school is closed, please contact Essex Children and Families Hub. Contact number: 0345 606 1212. Email: Emergency.DutyTeamOutOfHours@essex.gov.uk  

If you believe that a child is in imminent danger you must contact the police by dialling 999.

Our Safeguarding and Pastoral Team

Miss L Bellett (DSL)

Miss F Shaw (Deputy DSL)

Mrs L Freeman (Deputy DSL)

Mrs M Leon (SENDCO)

Mrs K Rugg (Pastoral HLTA)