We have one Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and several Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL). They are:

Danielle Hall (AHT) - Lead DSL

Lindsay Fordyce (HOS) - DDSL

Lisa Elderfield (AHT) - DDSL

Gemma McIntyre-Lewis- DDSL

Claire Michel (EYFS Lead) - DDSL

Amy Bell (Year 2 Lead) -DDSL

Dan Tragner (Year 6 CT) - DDSL

Vicky Whitmill (Safeguarding Governor)

Please see below for February's Primary Newsletter

Halfway Houses Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children entrusted to our care.

Safeguarding arrangements at Halfway Houses Primary School are underpinned by the following principles:

1. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: all Staff, Governors and Volunteers should play their full part in keeping children safe.

2. That all Staff, Governors and Volunteers have a clear understanding regarding abuse and neglect in all forms; including how to identify, respond and report. This also includes knowledge in the process for allegations against professionals. Staff, Governors and Volunteers should feel confident that they can report all matters of safeguarding children in the school where the information will be dealt with swiftly and securely, following the correct procedures with safety and well-being of the children in mind at all times.

We recognise that because of their day-to-day contact with children, school staff are ideally placed to observe outward signs of abuse. Staff in school will therefore:

1. Report any inappropriate behaviour/activities to designated staff.

2. Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk and are listened to.

3. Establish that children know that they can approach any adult in school if they are worried and they receive a consistent, supportive response.

4. Staff will promote a flexible and relevant curriculum which promotes safeguarding and provides pupils with the opportunity to develop skills they need to stay safe, protect themselves and take responsibility for their own and others’ safety.

We have adopted a software package called MyConcern to support our safeguarding arrangements. All adults who work in the school have a responsibility to read and understand our Child Protection Policy which is displayed on our policies page. All adults are also expected to read the DfE guidance: Keeping children safe in education. They will be trained on this every September and will sign to say that they have received the training. This is also part of our induction process. Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.

TILT DSLs Ryan Driver (DCEO) and Felicity Walsh (TILT SENDCo) are also fully trained designated DSLs and are available for advice.

If you become concerned about the welfare of a child in the school, please contact either the Lead DSL or a DSL on: 01795 662875.

If you have an urgent concern about a child in the community linked to something you have seen or heard please do not wait to contact a member of school staff but contact Children’s Social Care on: 03000 411111, out of hours 03000 419419.

The NSPCC can also be contacted on 0808 800 5000 to offer advice on reporting a concern about a child.

If you think a child is in immediate danger, don’t delay and contact the police on: 999.