Milton Abbey School Named Finalist for Safeguarding Inclusion Award
Milton Abbey School is delighted to announce that it has been named a finalist in the 2025 SACPA (Safeguarding and Child Protection Association) Safeguarding Awards, in the category of ‘Safeguarding Inclusion Award’.
This national recognition highlights Milton Abbey’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for every student. At Milton Abbey, safeguarding is not just about protection, it’s about empowerment. Every student is known, valued, and supported, and the school’s inclusive approach ensures that all young people can take an active role in their own wellbeing and that of others.
A shining example of this ethos in action is the school’s Digital Leaders programme, an inspiring, student led initiative that champions online safety, digital wellbeing, and safeguarding awareness across the school community. The Digital Leaders are a diverse group of students from different year groups and backgrounds who share a passion for technology, creativity, and community responsibility. Working collaboratively with staff from the Safeguarding and IT teams, they identify key issues affecting young people online, from cyberbullying and online privacy to digital balance and positive social media use. Rather than simply being taught about these topics, the pupils lead the conversation, creating resources that speak directly to their peers in relatable and engaging ways.
One of the most impactful aspects of their work includes student-led videos, posters, and digital campaigns that highlight important safeguarding messages. Using language, imagery, and humour that resonate with their peers, they design materials that make complex issues accessible and relevant. These range from animated clips explaining how to report online concerns to bold posters promoting kindness, consent, and respect in digital spaces.
Digital Leaders also play a key role in whole-school events such as Safer Internet Day and Anti-Bullying Week, where they present assemblies, run interactive workshops, and share practical advice on staying safe online. They regularly update digital noticeboards with information about who to talk to if students ever have concerns about their wellbeing, including tutors, Heads of House, or the school’s Independent Listener, Justin Potter.
Beyond producing resources, the Digital Leaders embody Milton Abbey’s inclusive ethos. Their work reflects the school’s belief that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and that students can be powerful advocates for one another’s safety and wellbeing. Through collaboration, creativity, and empathy, they are helping to shape a school culture where every student understands how to protect themselves and support others, both online and offline. The Digital Leaders initiative has not only strengthened Milton Abbey’s safeguarding culture but has also helped students develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. It represents what Milton Abbey stands for: a community where every student’s voice matters, where diversity is celebrated, and where inclusion and safety go hand in hand in every part of school life.
Milton Abbey School looks forward to joining fellow schools and safeguarding professionals at the Annual Safeguarding Conference, where the winners will be announced, and to celebrating the incredible work happening across the sector.
Categories: Milton Abbey School School News
