Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Child Protection

At Netherton CofE Primary School we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people both within the school environment and outside. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We will ensure that:

· The welfare of the child remains paramount.

· All children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/ or sexual

identity have the right to be protected from harm.

· All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

· All staff and volunteers working at our school have a responsibility to report concerns to the Designated

Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead).

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, all of which can be seen on our Policies page.

Please take the time to read our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy below or ask at the school office if you would prefer a paper copy.

Policies

Safeguarding Leads at Netherton CofE Primary

We have a team of Safeguarding Leads at Netherton CofE Primary School.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mrs Kathryn Harvey, Headteacher,

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL)

Mrs W. Rickers. Assistant Headteacher
Mrs L. Ryall-Whyte, SENCo
Mrs J. Wheatley, EYFS Lead
Mrs T. Parton Family Liaison

Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Local Academy Board member: Mrs M. Hollis

DoWMAT;

The Trust’s Senior Designated Officer for Safeguarding: Maggie Spence

If you are worried about a child, you can speak to any of us at any time. Alternatively, you can call Dudley Children’s Social Care.

If a child is at immediate risk of harm or in an emergency situation, call 999 immediately.

Dudley Children’s Services

During office hours call the children's services referral and advice service on 0300 555 0050 (9:00 – 5:00 Mon-Fri). Out of office hours contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 555 8574 or in an emergency call 999.

If you contact Dudley safeguarding, you will speak to a professional who will listen to your concerns. They may take a few details and might need to contact you again, but your concern will be dealt with quickly and appropriately.

You do not need to provide your name or give contact details if you do not wish to do so. Anonymous calls will not be ignored.

Remember, it is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children and protect them from harm.

We are an Operation Encompass School

Netherton work with Operation Encompass, a police and education partnership that supports children and young people exposed to domestic abuse. Operation Encompass ensures that schools are notified of any domestic abuse incidents so that children can be supported appropriately where necessary.

If domestic abuse is a concern, you can ask to speak to any member of the Safeguarding Team in school or seek free and confidential support from:

Call Dudley borough's single point of contact (SPOC) 01384 455411.

PREVENT Duty

Netherton CofE Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

The DOWMAT and leaders within the academy have taken account of Prevent duty guidance: England and Wales (2023) from HM Government which calls for all public bodies to make explicit their preventative measures to minimise the threat of extremism in their setting.

Should you have any concerns regarding a child or family being at risk of radicalisation or being drawn into terrorism through exposure or engagement with extremist viewpoints, beliefs or language (irrespective of race, gender, or cultural background) then please speak to Mrs Harvey, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Prevent at Netherton CofE.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

It is important to look after yourself and to teach children how to look after their own mental health and wellbeing, this forms part of our PSHE curriculum at Netherton CofE Primary School and we have an active

https://www.netherton.dudley.sch.uk/page/?title=Art&pid=16

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/

If you have concerns about your child's mental health or emotional wellbeing you can speak to your child's class teacher or contact Mrs Powell, our Mental Health Lead or Mrs Ryall-Whyte, our SENCo.

We also encourage all parents and carers to share mental health concerns with the child's GP.

Useful links and contacts:

Dudley Mind

Dudley Mind is a mental health charity committed to provide emotional, social and therapeutic support and rehabilitation to individuals experiencing mental ill health https://dudleymind.org.uk/

Reach Out Dudley

A local campaign in Dudley to encourage people to talk about suicide and raise awareness of support services available to them https://reachoutdudley.co.uk/

NHS Every Mind Matters

Every Mind Matters has been developed to help you manage and maintain your mental health, as good mental health makes such a difference. It helps us to relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

Shout

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text Shout to 85258

Young Minds

Young Minds is a service that helps young people voice their issues with mental health, they also help tackle life adversities which young people have to tackle on a day to day basis. https://youngminds.org.uk/

Kooth

Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people https://kooth.com/