Safeguarding at Oakhurst Community Primary School

Our Collective Commitment and Responsibility for Safeguarding Young People

'Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility'
(Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024) 

At Oakhurst Community Primary, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are committed to creating a safe and secure environment where children can learn and thrive. Our safeguarding policies are designed to protect every child and ensure that they feel safe in our school community.

All Oakhurst Community Primary School staff receive annual training to help them to recognise abuse and to promote the welfare of our children.  In addition to this, all staff and Governors are asked to read and sign to say that they understand the latest versions of key documents relating to the safeguarding and child protection on an annual basis:

• The Oakhurst Community Primary School Safeguarding Policy
• Keeping Children Safe in Education - Department for Education (DfE)
• Guidance for Safer Working Practice
• The Code of Conduct - Grove Learning Trust
• The Oakhurst Community Primary School Behaviour Policy

Working in Partnership

We work closely with parents, staff, and external agencies to promote a culture of vigilance and support. Our dedicated Safeguarding Team team receives regular training to identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns. We encourage parents to communicate openly with us about any issues that may affect their child's well-being, as collaboration is key to effective safeguarding.

At times, we may need to share information, get advice or work in partnership with other agencies if we are concerned about a child’s welfare. We believe it is always better to be transparent with all parties at these times and work together to achieve the best outcomes.

There may be times when you need extra help and support. If this is the case, please come and talk to us. There are many ways in which we can help.

Swindon Safeguarding Partnership

Empowering Young People

It is important for children to feel safe.  Our day-to-day practices, our curriculum and through the use of specialist organisations such as the NSPCC, help empower our children by teaching them how to recognise abuse, stay safe on and offline and to use their voices to speak out.  Children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they have a worry - no matter how big or small. 

At Oakhurst, we have built a bespoke Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum that reflects the contemporary challenges and risks faced by the children we are teaching right now. This is reviewed and amended annually to be as relevant and effective as possible.

It comprises materials from both Jigsaw PSHE and Chameleon PDE. 

The Oakhurst Safeguarding Team

Role	Personnel with Responsibility
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)	Mrs. Lizzie Christopher
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)	Mr. Paul Strange
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)	Miss. Laura Manchester
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)	Miss. Charlotte Quinn

What you can do

Our parents and carers play a vital role in safeguarding children in their community. If you have any concerns - no matter how small - you should report them to someone who you trust will listen.

If a member of the community has a concern about a child, they should make contact with any member of the Safeguarding Team as listed above.

If a member of the community has a concern about a member of staff, they should make contact with the Head Teacher:

• Mrs. Lizzie Christopher

If you think a child or young person may be in immediate danger, call 999.

As a member of the community, you may also wish to make contact with children's services in Swindon:

• Contact Swindon (01793) 464646
• Contact Swindon Emergency Duty Number (01793) 436699

Oakhurst Community Primary School Safeguarding Policy

2024 25 oakhurst community primary school child protection and safeguarding policy.pdf

Support and Guidance for Parents and Carers

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) website contains a wealth of information for families. Below is a link to a directory of very helpful guides:

NSPCC Guidance and Support

Below are some specific areas that may provide useful guidance, support or insight (clicking on the image in each instance will link you directly to the page):

 

  

  

   

Swindon-Based Help and Support

 

  

Parent and Carer Leaflets

• NSPCC - Handle with Care Guide - Keeping Baby Safe download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Handle with Care Guide - Keeping Baby Safe
• NSPCC - Home or Out Alone Guide download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Home or Out Alone Guide
• NSPCC - Look Say Sing Play Leaflet download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Look Say Sing Play Leaflet
• NSPCC - Navigating Puberty Booklet download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Navigating Puberty Booklet
• NSPCC - Positive Parenting Guide download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Positive Parenting Guide
• NSPCC - Uncomfortable Conversations Leaflet download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Uncomfortable Conversations Leaflet

Additional Useful Links

 

 Barnardo's