At Fir Tree College, safeguarding and child protection are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, secure, and welcoming environment where every learner is valued, respected, and listened to.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers. Everyone has a statutory duty of care to keep learners safe in education and to promote their welfare, whether in college, at home, online, or in the wider community.
Regular and punctual attendance is vital for learners to benefit fully from their education. Poor attendance can also be a safeguarding concern.
If attendance falls below 90%, we work directly with learners, parents, and carers to identify barriers and provide support.
We follow safer recruitment practices to ensure that only suitable staff and volunteers work with our learners. Every applicant is subject to rigorous checks in line with statutory guidance.
As part of the curriculum, learners take part in regular sessions to help keep themselves safe and healthy.
Topics include:
Drug and alcohol awareness
Staying safe online
Sex and relationships
Mental and physical health
Radicalisation
We place strong emphasis on keeping learners safe online.
Learners are taught how to use technology responsibly in lessons and life skills sessions.
Parents and carers receive guidance through the website, coffee mornings, and individual support.
Online safety is promoted throughout college life.
Fir Tree College recognises its duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
Our commitment includes:
Promoting a safe and supportive environment for all learners, staff, and visitors.
Building resilience to extremist views and preparing learners for life in modern Britain.
Raising awareness so staff, students, and governors understand the risks of radicalisation.
Working with local safeguarding boards, police, and local authorities to share information and good practice.
Providing staff training to recognise signs of vulnerability and refer concerns appropriately.
Encouraging open discussion, critical thinking, and challenging discrimination or extremism.
Concerns relating to radicalisation or extremism are treated as safeguarding issues and managed in line with our policies.
Contact:
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Suzanne Fletcher: suzanne@firtreecollege.com
Useful links:
Outside of college hours (Wigan):
Children’s Social Care: 01942 828300
Adults’ Social Care: 01942 828777
Wigan Safeguarding Children’s Board: 01942 486025
Early Help Hub: 01942 486262
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 500
If you need contact details for other local authorities, please contact the college.
We support the use of the Report Harmful Content (RHC) button, developed by SWGfL.
This tool provides:
Direct links to report harmful content on popular apps, games, and platforms.
Trusted advice and guidance for dealing with harmful online behaviour.
A route for anyone aged 13+ to request independent review if content is not removed.
Visit reportharmfulcontent.com →
Fir Tree College has a range of safeguarding policies in place, including:
These policies are available on request or via our website.
Director & Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Pastoral Support & Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Occupational Therapist & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Governor
By working together, we can ensure that all young people at Fir Tree College are safe, supported, and able to thrive.