South Otterington CE Primary School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all our children in school. We believe that pupils have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse, where staff are vigilant for signs of any pupil in distress and are confident about applying our safeguarding processes to avert and alleviate any such problems.

Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm – safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment – and ensuring that we all feel safe in our environment.

If you are ever concerned about the safety or well‐being of someone at our school, please talk to one of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Leads (see below for details).

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This means that we have a clear Child Protection Policy and procedures in place.

At times, 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 our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/guardians first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s safety. If a member of staff is concerned about a child’s safety, they will record their concern and report this to one of the DSLs immediately.

If a member of staff has concerns which relate to the actions or behaviour of another member of staff (which could suggest that s/he is unsuitable to work with children) then this will be reported to one of the DSLs in confidence, who will refer the matter to the Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher) who will consider what action to take.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are:

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Amanda Gledhill

Designated Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Naomi Lanham

Designated Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Vicky Fraser

Designated Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Gemma McManus

Chair of Governors: John Kelly

If you have any concerns regarding Safeguarding of any child in our school, out of hours, or about any child you know from another school, there is a dedicated portal for adults to use. Please click here.