Our Commitment
At Discovery Trust, safeguarding is the golden thread that runs through every aspect of our work. We are deeply committed to creating safe, inclusive environments where all pupils can thrive, and colleagues feel confident in their safeguarding responsibilities.
Safeguarding is not simply a policy or procedure, it is a culture we build, protect and continuously strengthen. We understand that the safety and wellbeing of every pupil relies on the vigilance, care and professionalism of every colleague.
Our safeguarding model is built around three core principles, and we call these our safeguarding PRLs:
Protect, React, and Learn.
These principles underpin all safeguarding across our trust, shaping our training, our systems, and our shared commitment to safeguarding excellence.
Together, we are stronger, and safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone’s right.
Safeguarding Statement
“For us here at Discovery, safeguarding is not a box to be ticked, it is a culture to be lived.”
– Zack Minton, Trust Head of Safeguarding
At Discovery Trust, safeguarding is a strategic priority that underpins everything we do. We are fully compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and maintain a strong, consistent safeguarding culture across all our schools.
Safeguarding practice is not left to chance, it is actively monitored, reviewed and strengthened through:
- Regular safeguarding self reviews of each school
- Trust-led safeguarding audits and thematic deep dives
- Challenge and oversight from our Safeguarding Advisory Boards
- Ongoing professional development and supervision for Designated Safeguarding Leads
This structure ensures that safeguarding is both rigorous and responsive. Every colleague is equipped to act, every pupil is supported to feel safe, and every school is held to account through transparent, high-impact safeguarding systems.
Our Safeguarding Approach: Protect, React, Learn
Our safeguarding practice across Discovery Trust is built on a clear, proactive framework — the PRLs: Protect, React, Learn. This model ensures that safeguarding is not only embedded, but continuously evolving.
Protect
We create the culture, conditions, and systems needed to prevent harm:
- DSL and Deputy DSL in every school
- Robust safer recruitment practices
- A strong curriculum offer that teaches safeguarding themes (e.g. RSHE, online safety)
- Vigilant culture where every colleague knows their responsibility
React
We respond swiftly and proportionately to concerns or disclosures:
- Clear internal reporting systems using CPOMS
- Prompt intervention and referrals to external agencies
- Well-embedded policies and procedures known by all colleagues
- Collaborative working with families and professionals
Learn
We reflect and improve through structured oversight and evaluation:
- Trust-wide safeguarding reviews for every school
- Thematic audits and deep dives across key safeguarding areas
- Oversight and challenge through our Safeguarding Advisory Board
- Supervision and CPD for safeguarding leads to strengthening practice
Who We Safeguard
- 5,000+ pupils across 19 schools
- 15 primary, 1 secondary and 3 special schools, including pupils aged 18+
- 100+ trained DSLs and deputies
- Trusted partnerships with children’s services, LADO, health and police
Contact Us
If you have a safeguarding concern about a pupil, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at the relevant school in the first instance.
For trust-wide safeguarding queries or concerns, you can contact:
Zack Minton
Trust Head of Safeguarding
Whistleblowing
Discovery Trust is committed to a culture of openness and accountability. If you are a colleague or professional with a concern that cannot be raised through normal safeguarding channels — including concerns about the conduct of a colleague — please refer to our Whistleblowing Policy