We use cookies

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Do you wish to accept cookies? Please refer to our cookies policy.

skip navigation

Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Keeping children and young people safe

Safeguarding for vision‑impaired children means understanding the extra challenges they may face, such as prejudice, isolation or difficulty recognising unsafe situations, while making sure they have the same right to protection as any other child. It involves giving clear, early guidance on staying safe, using sensory‑friendly ways of learning, creating supportive environments and reporting any concerns quickly to organisations like BCT or social services.

Information, advice and guidance

BCT Safeguarding Statement

This guidance outlines the increased safeguarding risks faced by children with visual impairments and disabilities, and highlights the importance of accessible communication, inclusion, and tailored support to keep them safe.

View/download implementing protective strategies

Safeguarding roles and responsibilities

Find out about the roles and responsibilities that are relevant to BCT Safeguarding Policy and procedures.

View/download implementing protective strategies

Safeguarding children and young people

Introduce safety skills, sensory development, independence, accessible environments, and open communication early to help children prepare for and thrive with sight loss.

Coming soon

Safeguarding adults policy

This guidance outlines the increased safeguarding risks faced by children with visual impairments and disabilities, and highlights the importance of accessible communication, inclusion, and tailored support to keep them safe.

Coming soon

Report a concern

If you’re worried about your own safety, someone you care for, or the behaviour of a colleague, volunteer or staff member, please report it as soon as you can. You can use the form on this website or speak directly with our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Every concern is taken seriously and will be managed in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Report a concern

Frequently asked questions

You can get support from a range of local and national organisations that provide advice and guidance on keeping children safe. Sussex Police offers information on preventing child abuse, dealing with domestic incidents, and accessing the Child Sexual Offender Disclosure Scheme (also known as Sarah’s Law). The NSPCC provides practical resources for parents and carers, including guidance on talking to children about safety and recognising potential risks. Children and young people can contact Childline free of charge and in confidence on 0800 1111 if they are worried about anything or need someone to talk to. Families affected by criminal exploitation or missing person incidents can also seek support from SafeCall, a free confidential helpline available on 116 000. These services can provide advice, reassurance, and practical support to help keep children safe both online and offline.

You can contact the Safeguarding lead at BCT via ( email address), Or you can directly contact the Safeguarding lead at the school or college, contact details on the school website.

Contact the Centre for Online Protection https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

You can contact the Safeguarding lead at BCT via (email address) or go to https://www.sussexsafeguardingadults.org/

You can contact the Safeguarding lead at BCT via ( email address) . You can also go to NSPCC website https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/ or the NSPCC Helpline https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/our-services/nspcc-helpline/#contact-us

Childline https://www.childline.org.uk/ or contact BCT

Have more questions?

We are always here to support you. If anything is unclear or you would like a bit more guidance, just reach out - our team will be glad to help.

Contact us

Useful links

Mencap logo

Mencap

You may have heard of the terms mate crime and hate crime. Maybe you've experienced it but didn't know it was a form of bullying that can be reported to the police. Here you'll find out what hate crime and mate crime means and what you can do about it.

Register with us

Register with us to access support. If you’re under 30, living in Sussex, and have a vision impairment, you can join our community. Parents, carers, and professionals can also register on behalf of a child. Registering with us helps you stay connected with support, events, and opportunities tailored to you.

Register with us

Upcoming events

Summer BBQ 2026

Saturday July 4, 11:00am

Book Summer BBQ 2026

Goalball UK Sussex experience day!

Thursday July 9, 10:00am

Book Goalball UK Sussex experience day!

New ‘Craft Club’ - Under 18’s for BCT clients - ‘Paper Crafts’

Saturday July 11, 10:00am

Book New ‘Craft Club’ - Under 18’s for BCT clients - ‘Paper Crafts’