Safeguarding

Our Safeguarding Vision

Weldon CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. Our school has a child centred and co-ordinated approach to safeguarding. Consequently, safeguarding and child protection is at the forefront of everything we do. We ensure systems are in place that are well promoted, easily understood and easily accessible for children to confidently report any form of abuse or neglect, knowing their concerns will be treated seriously, and knowing they can safely express their views and give feedback.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads

If you believe that a child in our school may be at risk, please talk to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. These are:

Child Protection Lead + Designated Safeguarding Lead

Lesley Middleton

Deputy Safeguarding Leads

Kirstin Howarth

Jim Ager

Jacqui Balchin

If you are worried about a child outside of school time, you can call the local Multi Agency Support Hub, MASH,  for advice (anonymously if needs be) on 0300 126 7000 (option 1).

Our Commitment

All people who work with our children and on behalf of Weldon CE Primary School  will comply with safeguarding procedures in relation to recruitment, risk assessments, off  and on site procedures, environmental safety, e-safety and as part of their every day practice with children.  It is the responsibility of all staff to know safeguarding procedures, apply the principles in practice, attend training and report any concerns.

All staff will undergo an enhanced DBS check and it their responsibility to notify the DSL if there has been any change in their personal circumstance that make pose a threat to children.

Every organisation has to have a “named” person for safeguarding children and young people. The Governing body has to ensure that an appropriate member of staff should take the lead. This person should have the status and authority within the school to carry out the duties of the post including committing resources and where appropriate supporting and directing staff.

Within our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy it has set out the process for dealing with child protection concerns. The policy is on our website but also alternatively the school can provide you with a copy; please ask at the school office.

All adults in school must have regular training to ensure that they are aware of the signs of abuse and know what to do about their concerns. They have a duty to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Weldon CE Primary School has a legal duty to talk to other agencies such as Children’s Social Care and the Police if we feel that a child may be at risk of harm.

We are committed to safeguarding and meeting the needs of all our pupils. If you have any concerns report to:-

Lesley Middleton - l.middleton@weldon.pdet.org.uk

Kirstin Howarth - k.howarth@pdet.org.uk

Tom Shipley - t.shipley@weldon.pdet.org.uk

The Early Help Support Service is for those working with children and families. We provide information, advice or guidance around:

• Early Help Assessment
• support to create a team around the family meeting (including finding out what other agencies may be involved with the child or family you are supporting)
• access to services, interventions and training.

Telephone: 0300 126 3000

Email: earlyhelpsupport@northamptonshire.gov.uk

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 

The MASH can advise on whether a family needs early help or whether they meet the threshold for statutory child protection.

Telephone: 0300 126 7000

Email (secure address):  MASH@northamptonshire.gcsx.gov.uk

The Underwear Rule (from NSPCC)

Teach your child the Underwear Rule and help protect them from abuse. It's a simple way that parents can help keep children safe from abuse – without using scary words.

Follow this link to the 'Let's Talk Pants' website. Talking PANTS teaches children important messages, like their body belongs to them and they should tell an adult if they're upset or worried.

Support groups and organisations for victims of domestic violence

Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) www.ndas.co.uk

Local charity that has been operating since 1974. NDAS provide safe refuge for men, women and children fleeing domestic abuse. NDAS also provide a specialist refuge for female victims of abuse that also have drug and alcohol addictions.
NDAS also offer:

• Group work
• 12 week intensive support programme for adult victims
• Drop in services
• Specialist training for professionals

NDAS can be contacted in a variety of ways:

• 24 hour helpline: 0300 0120154
• Email: advice@ndas-org.co.uk
• Online chat www.ndas.co
• Facebook messenger: www.facebook.com/NorthamptonshireDAS

EVE (formerly NVCFR): www.eveda.org.uk

A registered charity working with survivors of domestic violence and abuse since 1984. We are based in Northampton but take referrals for refuge accommodation from all over the Country. We have been running a Family Refuge in Northamptonshire for over 35 years.
Our Restored Programme helps women who are victims of domestic abuse to rebuild their lives and prepares them for a future. We offer therapeutic group work sessions for women, children and families that help them to identify domestic abuse and to develop the resilience and confidence to change their lives. We also train professionals in a range of topics to help them help victims become survivors.

WEN Women's Aid: www.wenwomensaid.co.uk WEN Women's Aid: www.wenwomensaid.co.uk Provides safe, secure and confidential accommodation in three refuges within Northamptonshire for women and their children who are fleeing domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence. We also provide an Outreach & Support Service for women who live in their own accommodation. www.thehideout.org.uk Women's Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to you. 

www.thehideout.org.uk
Women's Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to you.
The website has pages aimed directly at children, young people and adults.

National Domestic Violence Helpline: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline 0808 2000 247
Immediate information and support for women experiencing domestic violence.
If lines are busy on the Helpline, keep trying. Quieter periods are after 4pm, evenings, nights and weekends. In an emergency, always call the police by dialling 999.
In addition to the Helpline, the Women’s Aid and Refuge website links can provide immediate online support and information for women experiencing domestic violence.

Domestic Abuse Against Men - NHS Choices

Information and help on the NHS Choices website for men who may be experiencing Domestic Abuse.

LADO

If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff, you should inform the Head of School immediately. In their absence, inform the Deputy Safeguarding Lead immediately.

You can also report any concerns you have regarding a member of staff to the Designated Officer for the Local Authority (DOLA — formerly LADO) on:

• LADOConsultations@nctrust.co.uk 
• You can contact the Designated Officer for North Northamptonshire, Sheila Kempster on 07831 123193 or for West Northamptonshire, Andy Smith on 07850 854309.
• Website: LADO

  The Designated Officer (formerly known as the Local Authority Designated Officer or LADO) should be informed of all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:

  • Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child;
  • Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child; or
  • Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children, for example if their conduct falls within any of these categories of abuse:
    • Physical
    • Emotional
    • Sexual
    • Neglect

• Allegations made against workers who are paid, unpaid, volunteer, agency, casual and self-employed as well as foster carers, and adoptive parents of children on Placement Orders should all be reported to the Designated Officer. This should be done within 24 hours of the incident.