Safeguarding and Child Protection

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy which can be viewed on our policies page, via the link below.

We aim to always follow safer recruitment practice in checking the suitability of all staff and governors. We work hard to raise the awareness of safeguarding and child protection issues amongst staff, as well as equipping our students with the life skills needed to keep them safe.

Sometimes we need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a student’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns are discussed with parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the student’s welfare.

We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.

We ask visitors and volunteers to also abide by the school’s equality commitment. There must be no statements which might cause offence to others, or otherwise undermine tolerance of other faiths or beliefs: and there must be no extremism material.

All visitors and volunteers will be asked to wear an identification badge which must remain visible at all times and will be accompanied on site if they do not hold a valid DBS certificate with us.

Safeguarding Concern

For out of hours or school holidays please see the links below: 

• Merton Mash - 020 8545 4226 or out of hours 020 8770 5000 or email
• Merton Safeguarding Partnership 
• Radicalisation - Educate against hate
• Prevent - Government prevent strategy
• Online safety - Child Exploitation & Online Protection command: CEOP

If you are concerned about a student’s well-being or if you are aware of a family in a very fragile position, please e-mail safeguarding@rutlish.merton.sch.uk or follow this link:

SAFEGUARDING email

Please include the following fundamental details:

• Your name and contact details
• The individual or families name, age and address (if known)
• Exact details of the concern, providing as much information as is possible (ideally in bullet point form)

We will endeavour to respond to your e-mail within 48 working hours, school working hours and term times.

You can also contact the school office on 020 8542 1212 and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Children and young People's Victim and Witness Support Service

This service, operated by Victim Support, is the main support service in London for children and young victims and witnesses of crime. Support is provided on a one to one basis by trained caseworkers in a confidential space that is suitable for children and young people.

The Children and Young People's Victim and Witness Service supports children and young people aged 4 - 17 affected by crime, whether it has been reported to the police or not.

Telephone 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website by following this link: SUPPORTING YOUNG VICTIMS OF CRIME

Online Safety