Safeguarding and Well-being Conference

On 20th June 2019 Orchard Hill College Academy Trust held our first ever Safeguarding and Well-being Conference. It was opened by Dr Caroline Allen, CEO, who gave an account of the benefits of resilience, and some of the developments in safeguarding and Well-being since her days in teacher training and over her 32 year career developing Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust.

The event was planned by OHCAT Safeguarding and Well-being Forum Group consisting of Designated Safeguarding Leads and Heads across the multi-academy trust, led by Director of Safeguarding and Well-being, and Learning Support Jackie Van-West.

Andrew Hall, a specialist safeguarding consultant, gave a presentation on safeguarding children and young people, followed by Barbara McIntosh Vice Chair of Healthwatch, Sutton, who presented on Mental Health and Safeguarding.

The afternoon included workshops on:
OHCAT Mental Health Strategy – Jo Yarlett and Suzanna Challenger
Resilience- David Murtagh
Mental Health strategy for staff- Lisa Watkins
Safeguarding and Well-being Offer – Jackie Van- West and Kirsty Cottrell.

The event was evaluated and closed by John Prior, Executive Head of Quality and Deputy CEO, who will become CEO from September. John thanked all in attendance at the conference then talked of the ethos of the company and how the pupils and young people are at the heart of everything we achieve and plan to achieve; therefore the paramount importance of safeguarding them and nurturing their mental health and well-being.
John announced that the Safeguarding and Well-being Conference is to become an annual event.