At Drybrook Primary School, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child are at the heart of everything we do.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff have an important role in identifying concerns, listening to children and ensuring that children and families receive the right help at the right time. Our approach is child-centred and guided by what is in the best interests of each child.

All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training appropriate to their role, with regular updates throughout the year. Staff are trained to recognise when a child may need help or protection and know that concerns must be acted upon without delay.

Our safeguarding arrangements are supported by our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which is available on the Policies page of this website.

Our Safeguarding Team

• Thomas Henesey, Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Claire Tuffley, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Donna Hull, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Jade Davies, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Paula Harding, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Children can speak to any trusted adult in school if they are worried about themselves or somebody else.

Parents, carers and members of the community are encouraged to contact us if they have a concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

Email: safeguarding@dbp.fodt.co.uk
Telephone: 01594 542448

Alternatively, contact the school office and ask to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.

If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Reporting a Concern

We take all concerns about children seriously, however small they may initially appear.

Staff must report safeguarding concerns promptly in line with the school’s procedures. Concerns are recorded securely and reviewed by the safeguarding team. Staff must never assume that somebody else will take action.

Where needed, the school works with Children’s Social Care, Family Help, health services, the police and other agencies to make sure children and families receive appropriate support and protection.

Children should know that they can talk to us. If a child is worried about something, they can speak to any adult they trust in school. We will listen, take them seriously and help them get the support they need.

Family Help

Sometimes children and families experience difficulties and need some additional support. Family Help means offering support as soon as a problem emerges, rather than waiting until difficulties become more serious.

This may include support with:

• family relationships or changes in family circumstances;

• emotional wellbeing or mental health;

• attendance or difficulties coming to school;

• behaviour or changes in behaviour;

• housing, financial difficulties or poverty;

• bereavement or loss;

• domestic abuse;

• substance or alcohol misuse within the family;

• SEND or additional needs;

• caring responsibilities;

• online safety;

• exploitation or risks outside the home; or

• any other issue affecting a child’s wellbeing, development or ability to thrive.

Families do not need to wait until things become extremely difficult before asking for help. A conversation with the school’s safeguarding team is often the best place to start.

Depending on the needs of the child or family, support may include advice and practical help from school, pastoral support, attendance support, SEND support, signposting to local services, Family Help, coordinated work with other professionals, or referral to specialist services where this is needed.

Our aim is always to work with families and alongside other professionals so that children receive the help they need at the right time.