At Lyngford Park Primary School the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of paramount importance.

We take all Child Protection and Radicalisation issues very seriously.

Who should I talk to if I have concerns about a young person?

Mr Upham - Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Barratt - Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Ingram - Deputy Safeguarding Lead

If you can not contact school staff and you have concerns regarding the safety and well being of a child phone Somerset County Council Services for Children on: 0300 123 2224

Safeguarding concerns outside school

If you have any concerns about the safety of any child outside of school (for example during the weekend if you are in town), you should contact Somerset County Council Services for Children by telephoning 0300 123 2224.

What should I do if a child makes a disclosure?

1. Receive 

Listen carefully to what is being said and do not interrupt. Be calm, attentive and non judgemental.

2. Reassure

Reassure them that you will talk to a person who can help. They have done the right thing by telling you. 

What has happened isn't their fault.

Don't promise to keep what is said a secret. 

3. Respond 

Explain you will pass the information on to the appropriate person.

4. Record

The information you have may not be enough on its own for a child protection referral, however it will help to make a decision about risk of harm to the child. 

Doing nothing is not an option. 

It is not your responsibility to investigate child abuse but you should tell the appropriate person within the organisation. If a pupil tells you something or you see something which needs to be passed on:-

ALWAYS write down

• The name of the child
• The date, time and place you were told/observed the concern
• The exact words said by the child to you
• Pass on the information on Mr Upham, Mrs Barratt or Mrs Ingram or a member of our Senior Leadership Team. 

NEVER

• Promise confidentiality - explain you have to pass on the concerns
• Ask leading questions
• Make comments or judgements on the information you are told
• Keep the information to yourself 

Please remember:-

It doesn't matter if you are a paid worker, a volunteer or a member of the community, you have a responsibility to act if you are worried about a child.

The concerns you have make up part of a bigger picture which could help to prevent serious harm to young person. Giving families help at an early stage can prevent abuse and neglect.

NEVER KEEP CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF A CHILD TO YOURSELF. 

Keeping young people safe

Remember these four important points:-

1. All children have a right to be safe

2. Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility 

3. We all need to listen to children even though we may not always be comfortable with what we hear

4. The taking of photographic images is strictly prohibited unless with permission from the Headteacher/Senior Leadership Team

For more information

Local Safeguarding Board: 0300 123 2224

Out of hours: 01458 253241