Safeguarding

If you have any concerns about a child at Whyteleafe then please send an email to dsl@whyteleafeschool.org

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This means that we have a Child Protection Policy and procedures in place. All staff (including supply staff, volunteers and governors) must ensure that they are aware of these procedures.

The policies are available to view on the school website.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Miss Caroline Bishop
Deputy Head

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Miss Kelly Hunt
Headteacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Mrs Amy Springett
Assistant Head

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Mrs Lorna Smith
Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Wrap Around Care

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Ms Adele Coggins
Teaching Assistant and Wrap Around Care 

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) 
Miss Hannah Cromwell
Senior Office Administrator

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) 
Mrs Shelley Wells
Office Administrator

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) 
Ms Heather Faulkner
Lead Thrive Practitioner

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) 
Miss Lynda Earl
Assistant Head and Inclusion Lead

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) 
Mr Keith Reardon
Assistant Head

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) 
Ms Clare Garratt
Family Link Worker

Safeguarding Governor
Liam McGivern

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, please record your concern, and any observations or conversation heard, and report to one of the DSLs as soon as possible the same day. Do NOT conduct your own investigation.

If your concerns relate to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff (which could suggest that s/he is unsuitable to work with children) then you should report this to one of the DSLs in confidence, who will refer the matter to the Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher) who will consider what action to take.

 

Safeguarding Curriculum

 

 

At our school, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Alongside our dedicated safeguarding policies and procedures, we ensure that children learn how to keep themselves and others safe through the curriculum.

Through lessons, assemblies, and Circle Time, pupils are taught about:

• Staying safe online and in the community (including road, rail, water, and fire safety).
   

• Building healthy friendships and recognising unsafe situations.
   

• Understanding their rights, personal boundaries, and how to ask for help.
   

• Respecting others and celebrating diversity in line with British Values.

By embedding safeguarding across the curriculum, we equip children with the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to make safe choices and to thrive both in and out of school.

Circle Time at Our School

At our school, Circle Time is a special part of the week where children come together to talk, listen, and learn in a safe and supportive environment. It gives every child the chance to share their thoughts, practise listening to others, and build important life skills.

During Circle Time, we explore topics that help children:

• Learn how to stay safe (including online, on the roads, and near railways and water).
   

• Build strong friendships and treat others with kindness and respect.
   

• Develop children’s cultural literacy promoting respect and inclusivity
   

• Gain confidence to speak up and make positive choices.

Circle Time also helps us promote important British Values such as democracy, fairness, respect, and understanding. By taking part, children learn how to be responsible, caring members of our school and the wider world.

Most importantly, Circle Time supports children’s wellbeing. It gives them a regular opportunity to talk about feelings, ask questions, and know that there are always trusted adults who will listen and help them if they ever feel worried or unsafe