Safeguarding at St Catherine’s College

"Pupils are happy and optimistic and pupils feel safe." Ofsted Inspection, November 2019

"Pupils feel safe at St Catherine’s. They understand that the school is there to help and support them. They feel no matter how busy the staff are, they always have time for them. They have every confidence that their concerns and worries will be listened to with empathy, taken seriously and acted on." 

Angela Corbett, Education and Safeguarding Consultant. Safeguarding Review February 2023

"It was notable, as in my last visit, that leaders and staff live and breathe the importance of kindness and that any form of unkindness or bullying is unacceptable. Pupils understand this ethos well; they understand the difference between unkindness and bullying. They know that if they raise a concern with staff, it will be dealt with." 

Angela Corbett, Education and Safeguarding Consultant. Safeguarding Review March 2023

At St Catherine’s College, we strongly believe that every child has the right to grow up feeling safe, supported, and able to thrive. This belief is at the heart of everything we do, and it guides every decision we make for our students.

We are incredibly proud that our students and the wider community work hard to safeguard and look out for one another. That sense of responsibility and care is something we actively nurture through our curriculum, relationships, and culture.

We work hard to help our young people understand how to keep themselves and others safe, both in the real world and online. Through our E-Safety and PSHE programmes, alongside wider work in the curriculum, we teach essential skills around healthy relationships, responsible choices, and digital awareness. As technology rapidly evolves, we're also helping students navigate the growing risks linked to social media, online content, and artificial intelligence, including misinformation, image manipulation, and harmful online behaviour.

We know that parenting in the digital age brings new challenges. That's why we work closely with students, families, and external agencies to offer guidance and support, especially when things feel overwhelming. Whatever your child's situation, we're here to help you both find a way forward, and we’ll continue to be by your side every step of the way.

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy reflects the latest national guidance, and we encourage all parents and carers to read it. If you ever have concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead.

We’ve also included some helpful resources to support conversations at home about online safety, sexual harassment, harmful content, and AI-related risks. These can help you and your child feel more informed and confident when navigating the online world together.

If you’re concerned about Harmful Sexual Behaviour or anything else that may be impacting your child’s wellbeing, please click here or contact us directly.

Further resources for parents and carers to assist in talking to your child about online sexual harassment, sexual abuse and
online sexual abuse may help you and your child.

Together, we can continue to build a safe, kind, and supportive environment for every child.

If you have any student concerns please  click here

Please complete this form if you are worried about yourself, a friend or someone else and would like help or support. When we receive this information we will look into the concerns and do our best to make sure that the right support is offered. You do not have to tell us who you are, but if you feel able to share that information, it will enable us to get back to you with any questions. We will also be able to update you, so you know we are working on trying to keep this child safe.

If we think a child could be at risk, we have a duty to share the information that you give us with other agencies, but we will respect your wishes about remaining anonymous.

This form will be sent to Kerry Guppy, the designated safeguarding lead at St Catherine's College via DSL@stcatherines.college, or please call 01323 465400

Safeguarding our Students during the Holidays

Whilst school is closed during holiday periods, if you have any urgent safeguarding matters, please contact Kerry Guppy on 01323 465438, via email at kguppy@stcatherines.college or DSL@stcatherines.college. For non-urgent enquiries or general information, we kindly ask for your patience until our return.

You may find the following Personal Wellbeing, Welfare and Safeguarding Contact information also useful:

• CAMHS: 01323 446065
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Children's Legal Centre: 03003 305480
• Citizens Advice Bureau : 03454 040606
• Foodbank (Eastbourne): 01323 409925
• NSPCC: 08448 921928
• Police: 101 (Emergency 999)
• Samaritans: 01323 735555
• SPOA: 01323 464222
• NHS: 111 (Emergency 999)
• My Voice: Click here