Designated Safeguarding Staff

At Kedington Primary Academy, the safeguarding and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, respected and safe

Our safeguarding policies, procedures and practices ensure that we meet all statutory requirements and reflect the guidance set out by the Department for Education in Keeping Children Safe in Education, which can be accessed further down this page.

We are committed to maintaining a culture where children feel secure, confident and able to speak to trusted adults about any worries or concerns they may have. All pupils are encouraged to talk openly and know that they will be listened to and supported. Every member of staff and regular visitor to the school plays a role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Through regular training and induction, staff are equipped to recognise the signs that a child may need help or protection and know how to respond appropriately to concerns or disclosures. We are always honest with children about what will happen next if they share a concern. While we cannot promise to keep secrets, we will always listen carefully, treat their concerns seriously and take any necessary action to keep them safe.

Safeguarding is most effective when schools, families and external agencies work together. We therefore work closely with parents, carers and a range of partner organisations to ensure that children receive the support they need. Through our curriculum, assemblies and wider enrichment opportunities, we help children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to keep themselves safe, make positive choices and develop important protective behaviours.

As part of our ongoing safeguarding commitment, all staff receive training on the Prevent Duty, enabling them to identify concerns and help protect children from the risks of radicalisation and extremism. Our policies and procedures support a culture of vigilance and proactive safeguarding throughout the school community.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the school and works closely with the wider safeguarding team to ensure that all concerns are acted upon swiftly and appropriately.

One of our Safeguarding Leads is always available to discuss any safeguarding concerns or questions.

However, If you believe that a child is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact Customer First without delay on 0808 800 4005 (free from landlines and most mobile phones).

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at Kedington Primary Academy. All members of staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and receive regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. All staff hold Level 1 Safeguarding Training, while the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads have completed Level 3 Safeguarding Training and receive ongoing updates to ensure they remain informed of current safeguarding guidance and best practice.

Members of the Governing Body are also subject to appropriate safeguarding checks and undertake safeguarding training, enabling them to fulfil their statutory responsibility for ensuring that effective safeguarding arrangements are in place throughout the school.

We greatly value the contribution of our volunteers. All volunteers are subject to appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks in line with statutory guidance. Where a volunteer is not DBS checked, they are always supervised by a member of school staff and are never left alone with children.

Please read our Child Protection Procedures which is available from our Attachments section on this page.

Working in partnership

The welfare of children is always our primary concern. In most situations, we will work closely with parents and carers to discuss any concerns and to identify the most appropriate support for a child and their family.

There may, however, be occasions when our concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing mean that we need to seek advice from or share information with other agencies, such as Children’s Services, health professionals or the police. While we are committed to working in partnership with families wherever possible, there are circumstances where informing parents immediately may not be in the best interests of the child or could place them at greater risk.

In all cases, decisions are made in accordance with safeguarding guidance, with the child’s safety and welfare remaining our highest priority.

Information & Resources

In addition to our Child Protection Procedures available in the attachments section the following documents and websites have a variety of information which you may also find helpful, please note that they will open in a new tab on your browser: