Working Together to Keep Young People Safe and Supported
At Chelmsford College, we believe safeguarding is more than a policy; it's a shared commitment to care, listen and act. Right from our College ethos of "Ready, Respect, Safe", through to our everyday work with each adult and young person we see, we aim to create a culture of belonging, trust, safety and support.
We know that the journey through education can be full of challenges and we’re here to walk alongside our learners and their families every step of the way.
If you’re a parent and your young person is navigating online spaces, dealing with emotional pressures or facing barriers to learning, we want you to know that you’re not alone and neither are they.
We’re Here to Help
Our Progress Tutors are often the first point of contact for learners needing support. They build trusted relationships and can help identify concerns early, referring learners to the right services, whether that’s our in-house wellbeing team or external professionals.
Our Wellbeing Team offers a safe, confidential space for learners to talk, reflect and get help. They can support with:
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Relationship and family issues
• Anxiety, stress, and low mood
• Referrals to counselling, mentoring, or specialist services
• And more..?
We also work closely with parents and carers to remove barriers to learning, whether those are emotional, social, financial or practical. If you have concerns, we welcome conversations and will always listen with empathy and respect.
Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is key to learner success and wellbeing. If your young person is unable to attend college, please ensure this is updated on CEDAR or notify their Progress Tutor directly, who can make a note on their behalf. This helps us keep track of attendance and identify where additional support may be needed. We understand that life can be complex, and we’re here to help where challenges arise.
Free Resources to Support You
ECP Safeguarding – Free Resources
Explore free factsheets, posters, and guides to help you understand safeguarding risks and how to support your child. Topics include:
• Online safety
• Exploitation and abuse
• Mental health and resilience
Stay informed about the digital world your child is growing up in. This site offers:
• Guides to apps and games
• Parental controls and privacy tips
• Links to expert support like CEOP and Childline
Essex Safeguarding Children Board – Safeguarding Topics
A trusted local resource offering guidance on:
• Domestic abuse
• Online safety
• Emotional wellbeing
• Harmful practices and exploitation
Contact Us – We’re Listening
If you or your young person need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help and we’re always happy to work with parents and carers to remove barriers to learning and wellbeing.
During college hours, you can contact our safeguarding and wellbeing team:
• Email: staysafe@chelmsford.ac.uk
• Text: 07520 667199
• Safeguarding Information
• Parent Information
Outside of college hours, if you are concerned about a young person’s immediate safety or wellbeing, please contact emergency or crisis services:
• Call 999 if someone is at immediate risk
• Call 111 for urgent but non-emergency medical advice
• Childline: 0800 1111 – free, confidential support for children and young people
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 – for adults concerned about a child
• Samaritans: 116 123 – available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress
Please note: Post-16 learners have the legal right to opt out of parental contact. This means that, without their permission, we may be restricted in what we can share or discuss with parents and carers. We understand this can be difficult and we will always do our best to support families while respecting the rights and choices of our learners.
For more college-wide information; enrolled learners have access via their college login/accounts to a Learner Experience. These platforms are where our main communications are shared, including updates, wellbeing resources, and opportunities. While parents and carers do not have direct access to these systems, we encourage you to ask your young person to share updates with you. We’re also happy to provide information and support directly where needed via the curriculum staff and many updates will also appear on our Spotlight newsletter or College Website.
At Chelmsford College, we are deeply committed to creating a learning environment where every young person feels safe, supported and empowered. We recognise the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers to build trust, remove barriers and respond with care. By fostering a culture of respect, wellbeing and belonging, we help learners not only succeed academically but grow in confidence, resilience and self-worth. Together, we can ensure every learner can thrive, now and into their future!