Safeguarding

At Otterhampton Primary School we recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students and their families are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect, we follow recognised local and national procedures to ensure that all children receive effective support and protection.

According to the Department of Education via Keeping Children Safe in Education safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• Providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge

• protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online

• preventing the impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development

• ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Our first concern at all times is the safety and wellbeing of children in our care. By law, we are required to follow recommended procedures for the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. Where a child’s personal safety is concerned, we may have to contact outside agencies such as children’s social care and/or the police as a legal responsibility before we speak to a parent or carer. We fully understand that this can be a very distressing set of circumstances. Our school follows the procedures required by Somerset Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, they are responsible in Somerset, for ensuring agencies work together to safeguard children and testing how effectively this happens.

Key Safeguarding roles at Otterhampton Primary School

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Claire Luce - Claire.Luce@Otterhampton.org

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Liz Everett - Liz.Everett@Otterhampton.org

Safeguarding Officer - Charlotte Twitchett - Charlotte.Twitchett@Otterhampton.org

Trust Safeguarding Lead - Sally Power - Sally.Power@btc-trust.org

Designated Teacher for Looked After Children - Claire Luce

Designated Mental Health Lead - Claire Luce

Governor with Safeguarding Responsibility -Ali Pugsley