Windmill Primary School - Introduction & DSL

SCHOOL COMMITMENT

Windmill Primary School, is committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of all of its pupils and is the responsibility of all school staff, governors and volunteers.

We ensure that consistent, effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, pupils and staff at school. All NET school, including Windmill Primary School follow Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Any concerns are passed through to the members of staff who are trained as ‘Designated Safeguarding Leads’ in school in compliance with the ‘sharing of information’ guidance. The school uses MyConcern software for its recording of child protection, safeguarding and a range of pastoral and welfare issues.

DfE's Keeping Children Safe in Education

SCHOOL DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEADS

The school currently has five Designated Safeguarding Leads:

Mr Rhys Penny, Principal - Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Laura Giles, Vice Principal - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Tracy Thomas, Family Support Worker - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Julia Cox, Vice Principal - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Charlene Wetherell - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Miss Emma Boyers - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Team responsibilities include:

Ensuring procedures to safeguard young people are in place and are updated as appropriate
Raising awareness about safeguarding issues in order to overcome barriers to young people reporting their concerns
Helping adults recognise the signs and indicators that might give rise to safeguarding concerns
Providing help and advice on how to respond to safeguarding concerns about young people and how to respond appropriately.
Explaining ways in which adults can raise concerns about unacceptable behaviour by other adults.
Providing advice/support to staff, parents and carers and for confidential discussions about concerns.
Co-ordinating arrangements for monitoring of pupils who have been identified as requiring protection.
Recognise that each pupil’s welfare is of paramount importance and that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse e.g. those with special educational needs, those living in adverse circumstances e.g. those who witness violence.
Through curriculum including PHSE provide learning to help children develop the skills they need to stay safe.
Making referrals to social care and other external agencies.

If you have any concerns that a young person at our school is at risk of harm please contact the school office and ask to speak to member of the Designated Safeguarding Team.

We recognise that children who have suffered harm may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. Whilst at school, their behaviour may be challenging. We recognise that some children who have experienced abuse may harm others. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support all of our pupils.

The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their children. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents.

Please read our Safeguarding Policy for more information regarding safeguarding and child protection. Our policy is available publicly in the Policies section of the website

Learning Mentor and Family Support Workers

The staff in these roles ensure that children in receipt of the Disadvantaged Student funding are in the same position to access and benefit from the teaching and learning that is delivered. The Pupil Premium funding helps to provide the budget for these positions and while these children are the main recipients of the intervention and support provided, all children who need this additional support will have access to it.

This role involves working 1:1 with targeted children or small groups as well as families within our community. Weekly feedback to SLT and written reports on each intervention support the monitoring of provision and impact.

As a result, the Family Support Worker has received additional training in Safeguarding to enable them to be part of the Safeguarding Team. The Family Support Worker has also had CAF training.

Northamptonshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

Our rigorous internal systems ensure that the safeguarding of our community is our number one priority. However, if you have concerns regarding a child, you can make a referral to the Northamptonshire Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at any time. For more information about MASH call 0300 126 7000 to speak to the MASH team.

The following website links provide advice and information for parents and carers:

Safeguarding Contacts

For any safeguarding concerns please contact the school office and ask for a safeguarding lead 01933 623121. Alternatively you can email at