insight
STAFF IN THE
spotlight This month we put the spotlight on Antony Leach who joined ACT in September 2014. Antony works as the Centre Manager at our Caerphilly Schools provision.
Tell us a little bit about your role, and what your average day looks like. I manage the Caerphilly Schools site. I am responsible for the safeguarding and wellbeing of staff and pupils
as well as acting as the link between the school and other professionals within the local authority along with parents and carers. The day starts with a team briefing where any pupil’s issues/safeguarding issues are discussed along with attendance issues and anything else that is relevant. I spend as much time in the classrooms as my time permits me. It is nice to see the pupils develop into young adults. Each day is uniquely different and brings its different challenges. What is the most rewarding part of your current role? Safeguarding vulnerable children is a high priority for me and the team all share that vision. Collaborative work is central to safeguarding. We all
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hold different parts of a very complex jigsaw. Through strong relationships, collaborative work and the sharing of crucial information we are able to safely manage some of the most vulnerable young people in society. Watching that work in action is by far the most rewarding aspect of this role. Of course, outcomes are important, but I believe that if a child is cared for, feels safe and secure then the outcomes will naturally occur. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself‌ In 2011 I was lucky enough to get divorced and my 2 children stayed with me. I was working on the child protection team within social services at the time and had to give up work to do the school runs. I made the decision that I would give up work, return to University and
