Safeguarding and child protection

At Cairn Education, safeguarding and child protection are at the core of everything we do. We are fully committed to promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. Safeguarding is embedded across our culture, curriculum and daily interactions. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand their responsibility to remain vigilant, listen carefully to students, and act promptly where concerns arise.

We follow statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, and work in partnership with families, local authorities and external professionals to ensure that every learner is protected and supported effectively.Our approach is proactive as well as responsive. We prioritise building strong, trusting relationships with our students so they feel safe to speak openly. We also place strong emphasis on online safety, wellbeing and empowering young people to understand risk, develop resilience and know how to seek help.

Safeguarding at Cairn Education is everyone’s responsibility.

Our Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Rachael Thompson, RachaelThompson@cairneducation.co.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead(s):

Natasha Colahan, NatashaColahan@cairneducation.co.uk

Gillian Winters, Gillianwinters@cairneducation.co.uk

David Lunn, Davidlunn@cairneducation.co.uk

What to do if you have a concern

If you have any concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person at Cairn Education, please report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Deputy DSL.

Concerns should be shared as soon as possible — safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. It is always better to report a concern that turns out to be unfounded than to remain silent.

You can contact Cairn Education's safeguarding team via: