Safeguarding Information
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
At Forestdale Primary School, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child in our school community is our highest priority.
We are committed to providing a safe, caring and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, listened to and respected. Safeguarding is not the responsibility of one person or one team – it is everyone's responsibility.
All members of staff, governors, volunteers and regular visitors have a role to play in keeping children safe. Our staff receive regular safeguarding training and are expected to remain vigilant to signs that a child may be experiencing harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation.
We follow the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education and our school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Billingham - Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mr Cox – Headteacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Miss Jenkins - EYFS Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Forestdale Primary School has a Designated Safeguarding Lead who has responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the school.
The DSL works closely with colleagues, governors, parents and external agencies to ensure that safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded and responded to appropriately.
Our governing body has strategic responsibility for ensuring that the school's safeguarding arrangements are effective and that children are appropriately protected.
Our approach to safeguarding
At Forestdale, we aim to:
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create an environment where children feel safe, secure, valued and listened to;
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promote positive relationships built on respect, kindness and trust;
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help children develop confidence, resilience and the ability to speak out when something does not feel right;
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teach children how to recognise healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to keep themselves safe;
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provide children with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe both in school and online;
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recognise and respond appropriately to concerns about abuse, neglect, exploitation or other forms of harm;
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tackle bullying, discrimination, harassment and child-on-child abuse effectively;
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work closely with parents and carers wherever possible;
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work in partnership with other professionals and agencies when this is necessary to protect or support a child.
Children at the centre
We take a child-centred approach to safeguarding. We seek to understand the individual needs and circumstances of each child and make decisions based on what is in their best interests.
We recognise that children may experience difficulties or risks in many different ways. These can include neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, domestic abuse, exploitation, bullying, discrimination, harmful behaviour between children and risks associated with the online world.
We encourage children to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried about something, whether that concern relates to themselves or someone else.
Children are taught that they have a voice, their voice matters and adults will listen.
If you have a concern about a child
If you are worried that a child may be suffering harm, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure from a child, you must report your concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Do not assume that somebody else will report it.
If a child shares a concern with you:
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Listen carefully and take what the child says seriously.
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Stay calm and allow the child to speak.
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Do not promise confidentiality.
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Do not investigate the concern or ask leading questions.
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Record the concern accurately, using the child's own words wherever possible.
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Report the concern to the DSL/DDSL without delay.
If a child is in immediate danger, the emergency services should be contacted by calling 999.
Working with families and other agencies
We recognise that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility.
Where appropriate, we work openly and collaboratively with parents and carers and with professionals from children's social care, health services, the police and other agencies.
There may be circumstances where information needs to be shared without consent because this is necessary to protect a child. Safeguarding concerns will always be treated seriously and acted upon in accordance with statutory guidance and our school procedures.
Our aim is to work with families positively and respectfully while ensuring that the welfare of the child remains our first consideration.
Online safety
Children spend an increasing amount of their lives online, and online safety is therefore an important part of our safeguarding work.
At Forestdale, children are taught how to use technology responsibly and safely through our curriculum, assemblies and wider school life.
Children are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if something they encounter online makes them feel uncomfortable, worried or unsafe.
Parents and carers are also encouraged to talk regularly with their children about their online experiences and to seek support from school if they have concerns.
Visitors and volunteers
Everyone who works or volunteers in our school has a responsibility to help keep children safe.
Visitors and volunteers are expected to follow our safeguarding procedures and to report any concern about a child to the DSL or a DDSL immediately.
All staff, volunteers and relevant visitors are expected to understand and follow the school's safeguarding procedures.
Our commitment
Safeguarding is woven through the life of Forestdale Primary School. It is reflected in our relationships, our curriculum, our behaviour expectations, our pastoral provision and the way we work with children and families.
We will always seek to:
Notice. Listen. Act.
If something does not feel right, we expect adults to speak up.
If a child needs help, we will listen.
If a concern is raised, we will act.
Every child. Every day. Safe, valued and ready to thrive.