In this Section:
- Learning Support and SEND
- Specialist Centre for the Visually Impaired
- Supporting Young Carers
- Pastoral Support
- House System
- Student Support & Wellbeing
- Personal Development at Oxted School
- Careers Statement – Oxted School
- Supporting Looked After and Post-Looked After Children
- Safeguarding, Prevent & E-Safety
- Support for Parents
Safeguarding, Prevent & E-Safety
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSO) on 01883 712425 or email dsl@oxted.thpt.org.uk.
Designated Safeguarding Officers
Ms C Nicholls
Vice Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Ms C Nicholls
Vice Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs S Rastelli
Senior Safeguarding Lead
Mrs S Rastelli
Senior Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Statement
Oxted School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the physical and emotional welfare of every student, on and off site. We strive to provide a caring, safe and stimulating environment in which children feel secure, respected and listened to, and where their social, physical and moral development is nurtured. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: trustees, staff, parents/carers and students work together to maintain a culture where concerns are raised promptly and acted on.
If you are worried about a child, please contact the school immediately and state that your call relates to a safeguarding concern. If your concern arises outside school hours or during holidays, contact the police. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Online concerns about exploitation can also be reported via the CEOP website.
We promote safeguarding through our curriculum, especially PSHE, assemblies and tutor time, and provide e‑safety guidance to all staff and students to reduce misuse of the internet and social media, including cyberbullying. Our safeguarding team works closely with House staff, the Inclusion team and external agencies to ensure students receive the right support at the right time. All staff receive regular training and follow clear procedures for identifying, reporting and responding to concerns.
Our approach aligns with Trust policies and national guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and the Prevent Duty. For full details, please see the THPT Oxted School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (and related policies), available on our website.
Prevent Strategy
What is the Prevent Strategy?
Prevent is a national government strategy designed to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. It addresses all forms of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right‑wing, violent groups and other ideologies.
How does Prevent apply to schools?
Since July 2015, schools (and other organisations) have a statutory duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we must protect students from extremist and violent views in the same way we protect them from other harms such as drugs or gang violence. Crucially, schools also provide a safe space for pupils to explore and discuss these issues, helping them develop the knowledge and confidence to keep themselves safe.
What this looks like at Oxted School
At Oxted School, many aspects of our everyday provision contribute to the Prevent Strategy by helping students grow into positive, confident and respectful members of society. Through our curriculum and wider provision, we explore different cultures and religions and actively promote diversity; we challenge prejudice and racist comments; and we develop students’ critical thinking skills and a strong, positive sense of identity. We also promote students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, including British values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance. In addition, we take practical steps to reduce risk—for example, using internet filters to prevent access to extremist material and carefully vetting visitors who work with students.
Key Terms
Extremism: Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Ideology: A set of beliefs.
Terrorism: Violent action against people or property intended to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause.
Radicalisation: The process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism.
For practical advice on protecting children from extremism please visit educateagainsthate.com.
Advice for Parents
Get involved in your child’s online life
For many young people today there is no line between the online and offline worlds. Young people use the internet to socialise and grow and, just as you guide and support them offline, you should be there for them online too. Talk to them about what they’re doing; if they know you understand they are more likely to approach you if they need support.
Watch CEOP’s Thinkuknow films
CEOP’s Thinkuknow program has films and advice for children from 5-to 16 years. Your child may have seen these at school, but they can also help you find out more about what young people do online and some of the potential risks.
Keep up-to-date with your child’s development online
Being inquisitive and interested in the new gadgets and sites that your child use can really help. As your child learns more, so must you.
Set boundaries in the online world just as you would in the real world
Think about what they might see, what they share, who they talk to and how long they spend online. It is important to continue to discuss boundaries so that they evolve as your child’s use of technology does. Encourage the safe use of internet connected devices in a shared space like the living room so it becomes a social, not solitary activity.
Know what connects to the internet and how
Almost every new device these days connects to the internet, even your TV. Your child understands this so make sure you know which ones can connect to the internet. Also, find out how they are accessing the internet – is it through your connection or a neighbour’s Wi-fi? This may affect how some of your safety settings are being applied.
Make use of parental controls on all devices that link to the internet
Parental controls are not just about locking and blocking, they are a tool to help you set appropriate boundaries as your child grows and develops. They are not the sole answer to your child’s online safety, but they are a good start and are quite simple to install.
Emphasise that not everyone is who they say they are
Make sure your child knows never to meet up with someone they only know online. People might not always be who they say they are, even someone who claims to be a friend. Make sure your child understands that they should never meet up with anyone they only know online without taking a trusted adult with them.
Know what to do if something goes wrong
Just as in the offline world, you want to help your child when they need it. Knowing when and how to report any problem is key.