Responding to Concerns

Notifying Parents 

We will normally seek to discuss any concerns about pupils, with their parents and the DSL will contact parents in the event of a concern, suspicion, or disclosure.

Our focus, however, is the safety and well-being of the pupils. Therefore, if we believe that notifying parents could increase the risk to any of our pupils, advice will first be sought from Children's Social Care and/or the police before parents are contacted.

 

What can parents do if they are concerned?

If you are concerned about a child, even if you're unsure, you can contact the NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for help, advice, and support.

You can talk to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in school.

 

Allegations Against Staff

Any allegations of abuse against staff should be reported to the DSL or the DDSL who will follow the Trust policy for managing such allegations and can be found here.
 
If allegations are against the DSL, they should be reported to the Chair of Governors.
 
All contact information can be found here.
 

What will happen after the DSL has been informed?

  • The DSL or DDSL will discuss your concerns with you and make a record of them. No further action may be taken at this time. The record will be kept on file by the DSL in case future concerns arise.
  • The DSL or DDSL may discuss your concerns and then consult an outside agency such as the School Nurse, Educational Welfare, Social Services or parents. The advice given will be acted upon.
  • After consulting with outside agencies, a meeting may be called so that all interested parties (including parents) can attend and look for ways to support the child. Your observations/concerns may be included in the documentation for this meeting.
  • In some cases, the child protection issue may be serious enough to mean that the DSL or DDSL will make a referral to Social Services, the Police or another agency, to ensure that the child is safe.