Safeguarding at Stride 360

Stride360 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment because safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Safeguarding at Stride360 means ensuring that every student is:

  • Safe from harm and abuse of any kind

  • Protected from bullying, discrimination, or harassment

  • Supported to feel secure in their learning environment

All staff are expected to work in line with our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.

All positions are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and a check against the barred lists via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Meet our Safeguarding Team

Simone Lyons

Head of Operations/ DSL

Leah Burt

Mentor/DDSL

Kieren Kirby

Mentor/DDSL

Louis McGrory

Director/DDSL

Mike Jones

Director/DDSL

If you have a concern about a student’s welfare, please contact our us:

Email: safeguarding@stride360.co.uk
Phone: 07353786555

Anti-Bullying

Stride360 takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students.

Our approach includes:

  • Education and Awareness – Students participate in mentoring, workshops, and discussions about respect, empathy, and positive relationships.

  • Restorative Practices – We encourage reflection and constructive resolution when conflicts arise.

  • Clear Reporting – Students and parents can raise concerns confidentially, knowing they will be addressed promptly.

  • Support for All Students – Both victims and students displaying challenging behaviour receive guidance, mentoring, and pastoral support.

  • Parental Partnership – We work closely with parents and carers to resolve incidents and provide guidance on supporting children at home.

Our goal is to create a culture where bullying has no place and every student feels safe and valued.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safe recruitment practices to ensure that only suitable, trustworthy, and well-trained adults work with our students.

Key elements of our safer recruitment process:

  • Enhanced DBS and Barred List Checks – All staff and volunteers are screened thoroughly.

  • References and Background Verification – Employment history, qualifications, and character references are checked.

  • Mandatory Training – All staff complete safeguarding induction before starting work, with ongoing refresher training and supervision.

  • Ongoing Monitoring – Staff are regularly supported and reviewed to maintain the highest standards of safety.

  • Volunteers and Contractors – All adults working with students are subject to the same rigorous checks and training.

This ensures that every adult in Stride360 is committed to student safety and well-being.

External support and local services:

Swindon Front Door Service (Contact Swindon)
Contact Swindon is the council’s single point of access for children’s social care services. It is available for families, residents, and professionals across Swindon.

If you have a concern about a child or wish to request support, you can contact them directly:

Telephone: 01793 464646 Email: contactswindon@swindon.gov.uk

Other external support:

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Childline – 0800 1111

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - 01793 463854

Wiltshire Police - 101 (non-emergency) 999 (emergency)