Safeguarding
At Woodford CE Primary School Safeguarding is our number one priority and everyone's responsibility. The information below explains some of our key provision and systems. It is not intended to replace or substitute the reading of our Safeguarding Policy. For us safeguarding goes beyond what is statutory and is a key priority. As a team we constantly reflect on our practise and look for any ways we can to improve.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.
A copy of our Safeguarding Policy is available for download on this page.
Who leads on Safeguarding in school?
We have four school DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads). These are currently:
- Lee Donovan
- Richard Armstrong
- Laura Cashman
- Emily Coulson
- Sarah Faulkner
Title Download pdf Safeguarding Poster WDF 2023-2024 Download
What does a DSL do?
In our school the DSL’s responsibilities include:
- Respond to any safeguarding concerns.
- Liaise with social care and other agencies.
- Talk to parents about concerns raised where appropriate.
- Updates chronologies and school safeguarding records.
- Leads on whole staff training and updates.
- Attend safeguarding team meeting to go through cases and reflect on practise.
- Meet with the safeguarding governor and reports to Governors.
- Attend Local Authority DSL networks.
- Updating school safeguarding policy.
What training is given to staff?
Staff are regularly trained in safeguarding and it is part of our new staff induction. We find out about updates and training through the Local Authority DSL network and online services. Our DSLs attend training and keep refreshed through regular DSL networks run by the Local Authority.
Recent training includes:
- DSL (designated Leader) Training on Disclosures and Reporting
- NCSB DSL Network
- Trust DSL Network
- New DSL Training and Refresher
- Whole Staff Safeguarding Refresher
- GDPR Training
- My Concern Online Recording System Training
- NCSB updates
- Paediatric First Aid updates
We keep staff up to date through staff meetings where safeguarding concerns relevant to whole school are discussed (we are always mindful not to overexpose children or families, regarding casework information is shared on a needs to know basis). We also have a staff safeguarding notice board for general updates.
How are referrals made?
Child Protection and Safeguarding referrals are made by staff and sometimes pupils, parents or visitors to the DSLs. Staff are trained in the referral process and this is part of new staff induction. Visitors are asked to read our safeguarding upon arrival to our school. We use an online recording system called My Concern. Staff are trained to avoid asking leading questions and to support pupils by explaining what will happen, not showing disbelief and taking factual information from the child. The school DSLs may investigate further once a referral is made.
Will parents be informed?
If a child makes a disclosure our practise is to inform parents and carers as long as this would not put a child in danger or we are advised not to speak to parents by social care. Likewise, we will usually inform parents if a referral to social care has been made.
What if a child or an adult makes a disclosure about a member of staff?
If there is an allegation made against a member of staff then the DSLs will seek advice about the appropriate action to take. Where criminal activity may have taken place the police will be contacted. All staff are made aware of the school Whistleblowing Policy. which you can find on our school website too.
How does school make sure that staff and visitors are safe to work with children?
We carry out criminal background checks on all staff and visitors who work in school. This information is managed and kept by our office team. Staff are also asked to disclose any activity that may make them by association ineligible to work with children. Staff are trained to understand that they are all responsible for safeguarding and must immediately report any practise they are concerned about.
Please see additional websites that have further information about Safeguarding.
Northampton Safeguarding Children Board NCC MASH Information for Parents
Anti Bullying
What is bullying?
Bullying is defined as behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. For example:
- Insults
- Physical violence
- Using cruel nicknames
- Isolating someone
- Making threats
- Writing lies about someone
- Taking or hiding of property
- Spreading rumours
- Being unfriendly
- Teasing
If you have any concerns regarding bullying
- talk to an adult in school
If you have any concerns regarding your safety or your child's safety, please complete the online incident form
- fill in the online incident form - Click here to complete an incident form
Helpful Links
CEOP - Child Exploitation Online Protection
Childline - Get help and advice about a wide range of issues
DfE's Keeping Children Safe in Education
Internet Matters - How you can keep your child safe online
Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Patnership - Worried about a child
NSPCC - This is a great source of support for parents
Parent Zone - Experts in digital family life
Thinkuknow - CEOP Education team to help protect children from online child sexual abuse