Safeguarding Policies
At Fox Wood the health and safety of our pupils is of paramount importance. Parents/carers send their children to school each day with the expectation that school provides a secure environment in which their child can flourish. Fox Wood therefore has to ensure that this expectation becomes reality. In order to do this a wide range of measures are in place and our aim is to create a culture of vigilance.
Staff receive safeguarding training on a yearly basis and in updates throughout the year. The suite of safeguarding policies are available on the network via CPOMS and staff read them on an annual basis. Safeguarding is a standard agenda item on all meetings and in full staff meetings we inform staff of the latest information in the Education Safeguarding Team newsletter.
If staff have concerns with regards to the way their safeguarding concern is being handled, they can contact Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care, Children with Disabilities Team or the Education Safeguarding Team (01925 443322).
Visiting professionals are informed of what to do if they have a safeguarding concern and are invited to appropriate training.
For our pupils who are over the age of 18, we have a specific Adult Safeguarding Policy and staff will liaise with Adult Social Care. School and college staff are particularly important as they are in a position to identify concerns early, provide help and prevent concerns from escalating.
The Safeguarding Team meets regularly and comprises all members of SLT and the Pastoral Support Officers. The Pastoral Support Officers produce a weekly summary of safeguarding concerns which is discussed by all the Safeguarding Team. The Designated Senior Lead (DSL) at Fox Wood is Lianne Buchanan, and the deputy DSL is Louise Messham. At our Fox Cubs site the DSL is Lyndsey Phillips and the Deputy DSL is Gemma Capper. The member of staff with overarching responsibility for child welfare at school is Lucinda Duffy (Headteacher).
If Early Help is needed, the Pastoral Support Officers are fully trained to facilitate an Early Help Assessment. 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 or suspect abuse or neglect. We believe it is always best, wherever possible, to be fully transparent with all parties at these times and work together to achieve the best outcomes.
There may be times when parents or carers need extra help or support, you can contact our Pastoral Support Officers via the school office on 01925 811534 to arrange a meeting. There are many ways in which we can help. If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact a member of our safeguarding team via the school office on 01925 811534.