Safeguarding Children

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs C. Duggan Headteacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs M. Ellis

Safeguarding Governor: Mr A. Miles

If you are worried about a child please ask to speak to one of the DSL's. They can be contacted via the school office.

LA Designated Officer (LADO): Anthony Goble and Stacey Davis

Contacted through Somerset Direct: 0300 123 2224

Safeguarding statement

At Chewton Mendip CofE VA primary school; Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who encounters children, their families, and carers, has a role to play.

To fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals will make sure their approach is child centred. This means we always consider what is in the best interests of the child.

We take an ‘it can happen here’ approach where safeguarding is concerned. Everyone who encounters children has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information, and taking prompt action.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children by:

The provision of a safe environment in which children and young people can learn.
Acting on concerns about a child’s welfare immediately.
Fulfilling our legal responsibilities to identify children who may need early help or who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

There may be occasions when we must consult with other agencies before we contact parents, particularly in relation to child protection concerns. If this is necessary, we will ensure we speak to parents about the concerns raised at an appropriate time. We work closely with Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership. A link to their website can be found below.

If you would like more information about our procedures, please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

Positive approaches to managing behaviour

We understand that as children grow and develop there may be times when they explore and push the boundaries that are around them at home and school. All children display moments of challenging behaviour. The NSPCC has produced an information leaflet on how to respond in these situations.

Positive parenting | NSPCC Learning

The Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership have also produced a range of resources to support parents and their children.

Somerset children & young people : Support for families

Online safety

As part of our curriculum at Chewton Mendip CofE Primary School, we teach children how to stay safe when they are online or using technology. We teach this through assemblies, PSHE lessons and as part of our computing curriculum.

Below is an outline of the outcomes for each year group for teaching e-safety.