What procedures do you have to keep my child safe?
The safety and wellbeing of every young person at CWC is our highest priority.
We operate a structured first response system each morning and afternoon to ensure that all young people are onsite as expected. In addition, attendance is recorded at every session throughout the day to provide ongoing oversight.
All students sign in and out using our digital reception system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records at all times. Visitors and guests are carefully managed, they are signed into the building, verified upon arrival, and issued with a lanyard so they can be clearly identified while onsite.
Our comprehensive Child and Young Adult Safeguarding Policy (available on our website) outlines our safeguarding procedures and the legal framework such as ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and ‘Working Together’ that guides our practice.
What DSL coverage does CWC and houses have?
We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and four Deputy DSLs based at our education provision. Each residential home also has its own DSL and Deputy to ensure safeguarding leadership is always accessible.All staff receive regular safeguarding training and ongoing professional development to maintain high standards of practice.
We are proud of the open, transparent safeguarding culture we have built at CWC, where young people feel safe, listened to, and supported.
How are medications administered?
Medication is administered at both our education provision and residential homes by trained members of our staff team. We use a secure online medication management system to ensure all medication is accurately recorded when received, safely stored, and appropriately administered. This system provides clear oversight and accountability at every stage, including regular checks and audits.
Will my child have access to their medications & how will they become independent with their medications?
All staff responsible for administering medication receive appropriate training and follow robust procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each young person. We work closely in partnership with parents, carers, GPs, and other healthcare professionals to ensure medication is administered in line with prescribed guidance and individual healthcare plans. Any changes to medication are carefully recorded and communicated appropriately.
Are staff trained in medication administration?
Where appropriate, students are supported to develop independence with their medication. Following a thorough risk assessment and in line with our internal policy, some students may follow a structured self-administration process with appropriate oversight.
How do you keep substances hazardous to health (COSHH) and sharps (such as knives) safe?
All substances covered under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) are managed in line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and our internal health and safety policies. Hazardous substances are securely stored in designated, locked areas with restricted access. Detailed records are maintained, including up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and COSHH risk assessments for each product used onsite.
Sharps, including items such as knives used for cooking activities, are stored safely and securely when not in use. Access is risk assessed and supervised as appropriate to ensure student safety while also supporting the development of practical life skills. Where required, additional activity-specific risk assessments are completed. We recognise that risk is individual. Each young person’s needs are carefully considered through bespoke risk assessments and, where appropriate, Positive Behaviour Support (PBSP) plans. These ensure that safety measures are tailored, proportionate, and supportive of independence and personal development.
Staff receive appropriate training in the safe handling, storage, and supervision of both COSHH substances and sharps. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided where required, and clear procedures are in place to minimise risk to students and staff. Regular audits and monitoring ensure that all procedures remain robust, effective, and fully compliant with current regulatory guidance.
If I have concerns about CWC practice, who do I go to?
If you have any concerns regarding safeguarding or practice at CWC, your first point of contact is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Chelsea Hicks, or our Principal and Deputy DSL, Cassandra Pollitt.
If your concern relates to the DSL or Principal, you can escalate it to our Regional Lead, James Watson, or our Director, Graham Norris. All concerns are treated confidentially and professionally. We are committed to listening carefully, responding promptly, and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe, transparent, and supportive environment for all young people.