Safeguarding – Keeping Children Safe at the Heart of Everything We Do
At Sherborne C of E Primary School safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are fully committed to promoting the welfare, safety and wellbeing of every child and maintaining a culture where children feel safe, valued, respected and heard. Safeguarding is embedded throughout all aspects of school life and underpins every decision we make.
We work proactively with pupils, families, staff, governors and external agencies to ensure that every child receives the support and protection they need to thrive. All staff, governors, volunteers and regular visitors undergo appropriate safeguarding checks and receive regular training to ensure they remain vigilant and informed about current safeguarding practice.
Our Safeguarding Team
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rebecca Gray | Headteacher / Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) |
| Flora Ellis | Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) |
| Jemma Wells | Safeguarding Governor |
A Strong Safeguarding Culture
We aim to create an environment where children feel confident to speak to trusted adults and know that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon. Through our curriculum, assemblies, pastoral support and daily interactions, pupils are taught how to:
- Keep themselves safe in school, at home and online.
- Build healthy and respectful relationships.
- Recognise unsafe situations and know where to seek help.
- Develop resilience, confidence and responsible decision-making skills.
Safeguarding education is woven throughout the curriculum and is reinforced through regular teaching on personal safety, wellbeing, mental health, anti-bullying and online safety.
Child Protection
Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to working in partnership with families and external agencies to safeguard children and promote their welfare.
If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, whether it is your own child or another child, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Team immediately via the school office:
Email: admin@sherborne.gloucs.sch.uk
All concerns are taken seriously and handled sensitively and appropriately.
Policies
Our safeguarding arrangements are supported by a comprehensive range of policies, including:
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- Behaviour Policy
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Online Safety Policy
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Whistleblowing Policy
These and other safeguarding-related policies can be found in our Policies section.
Support for Parents and Carers
We recognise that safeguarding is most effective when schools and families work together. The following organisations provide excellent advice and support:
- NSPCC PANTS – Helping parents talk to children about staying safe.
- Thinkuknow (NCA-CEOP) – Advice and resources to help children stay safe online.
- Childline – Free, confidential support for children and young people.
- NSPCC – Guidance and support for families on a range of safeguarding themes.
- Anti-Bullying Alliance – Information and practical advice about preventing and responding to bullying.
Online Safety
Keeping children safe online is a key part of our safeguarding provision. Pupils learn how to use technology responsibly, manage online risks and seek support if they encounter concerns online. We regularly promote national initiatives such as Safer Internet Day and provide guidance for parents to help them support safe and positive online experiences at home.
At Sherborne C of E Primary School, safeguarding is not simply a statutory duty; it is a moral commitment. We strive to ensure that every child feels safe, supported and empowered to achieve their very best.