East Coast College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. We believe everyone has the right to learn in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where they feel respected, valued and protected.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff, governors and volunteers share our commitment to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
If you are worried about your own safety or the safety or wellbeing of someone else, please speak to us. We are here to listen and help.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting people's health, wellbeing and human rights so they can live, learn and develop safely.
You may need support if:
- Things aren't okay at home.
- You feel anxious, worried or unsafe.
- You're experiencing bullying or harassment.
- You're in a relationship that makes you feel frightened or controlled.
- Someone is pressuring you to do things you don't want to do.
- You're worried that a friend or another student is being harmed.
- You're experiencing abuse, exploitation or neglect, either online or offline.
Whatever your concern, no matter how small it may seem, please talk to us.
How to contact the Safeguarding Team
If you have a safeguarding concern or need support, please contact our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team.
Email: safeguarding@eastcoast.ac.uk
Lowestoft Campus: 07747 442823
Great Yarmouth Campus: 07795 306828
If you believe someone is in immediate danger or there is an emergency, call 999.
Anti-bullying
East Coast College is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment where everyone can learn free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken in line with college policies.
If you are experiencing bullying or are concerned about someone else, please speak to a member of staff or contact the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team.
Online Safety
Technology plays an important role in everyday life, and staying safe online is just as important as staying safe in person.
Our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team can provide advice and support to anyone who has concerns about online safety, including cyberbullying, online exploitation, inappropriate content or harmful online relationships.
To help protect students using college devices and Wi-Fi, East Coast College uses Smoothwall filtering and monitoring systems. These systems help identify online activity that may indicate a student is at risk. Any concerns are reviewed by the safeguarding team and, where appropriate, support is provided to the student and, if necessary, parents or carers.
Online safety support
The following organisations provide trusted advice and support for children, young people, parents and carers:
- Childnet – Online safety advice and resources for young people.
- Report Harmful Content – Support for reporting harmful online content.
- So You Got Naked Online – Advice and support following the sharing of intimate images.
- Thinkuknow – Online safety education and guidance from CEOP.
- That's Not Cool – Information about healthy relationships and preventing online dating abuse.
- UK Safer Internet Centre – Advice, guidance and educational resources for staying safe online.
- ACT Early – Information and support to help prevent radicalisation and protect vulnerable people.
