Safeguarding is central to life at St Brendan’s. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive and respectful environment where every student feels protected, listened to and able to flourish during their time in our sixth‑form college community.
The purpose of safeguarding in a sixth‑form college
Safeguarding in a sixth‑form college setting recognises that students are developing independence while still requiring protection, guidance and support. Our safeguarding approach focuses on keeping students safe from harm, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and responding appropriately when concerns are raised.
We aim to foster a culture where students feel confident to speak up, seek help and know who to turn to if they are worried about themselves or others.
How safeguarding supports students
Safeguarding at St Brendan’s supports students by:
- Providing clear and accessible routes to report concerns
- Ensuring trained staff respond appropriately and proportionately
- Working alongside pastoral, wellbeing and support services
- Promoting respectful behaviour and healthy relationships
- Offering early help where concerns emerge
- Safeguarding is both preventative and responsive, supporting students’ safety, wellbeing and personal development.
Meet the Safeguarding Team
The Safeguarding Team oversees safeguarding practice across the College and ensures concerns are handled sensitively and appropriately.
Safeguarding leads
Tanya Schottlander
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Clare McLaughlin
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Abida Umraji
Interim Designated Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Officers
Marian Curran
David Beesley
Vicki Haigh
Lynne Thomas
Wider Safeguarding and student welfare team
Sensi Mclean
Elisha Flanagan
Zoe Watson
Paolo Spano
Alice Smith
Sarah Oliver
Carla Cheetham
Kate Britton
Get in touch
Students, parents and carers can contact the College and ask to speak with a member of the safeguarding team at any time. The team works closely with pastoral staff, the College Nurse and external agencies where appropriate.
📧 Email: safeguarding@stbrn.ac.uk
📞 Telephone: 0117 977 7766
Reporting safeguarding concerns
Safeguarding concerns can be raised by students, parents, carers or staff and are always taken seriously.
Students can speak to:
- A trusted member of staff
- Their tutor
- A member of the safeguarding team
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the College if they have concerns about a young person’s safety or wellbeing.
Working with parents and carers
We recognise the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers. Our safeguarding processes are based on transparency and clear communication, while respecting students’ rights and confidentiality in a post‑16 setting.
Safeguarding FAQs
Safeguarding means keeping students safe from harm, supporting wellbeing and responding appropriately when concerns are raised, while encouraging independence as students prepare for adulthood.
Students, parents, carers, staff or visitors can raise concerns. All concerns are handled sensitively and in line with College procedures.
The safeguarding team considers the concern and agrees appropriate next steps. This may involve College‑based support or working with external agencies where required.
