Safeguarding - Everyone's Responsibility
All staff, governors, external staff and volunteers at Welford are safeguarding trained.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs Abbie Underwood
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs): Mrs Liz Crofts and Mrs Elaine Thomas
The school and Trust fully recognise the responsibility they have to protect children and support pupils in the Trust to be safe from any kind of harm. The pupils’ welfare and safety is of paramount importance. The aim of the school and Trust's policies and systems are to safeguard and promote our pupils’ welfare, safety and health by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate and strong relationships with stakeholders and external agencies.
Staff in our Trust are made aware that Safeguarding issues 'could and do happen here,' and they are trained to understand what possible indicators for abuse and neglect may look like. They will always act in the best interests of the child and will have a conversation with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when a concern arises. We have a comprehensive electronic record keeping system to ensure all matters are recorded effectively.
In line with statutory requirements, staff understand the difference between a safeguarding concern and one involving "immediate danger" or "at risk of significant harm". Staff also know their responsibility is always to record concerns. They are also clear on their responsibility to contact the MASH (Northants Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) directly should the need ever arise.
A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found below.
The DSL/DDSLs can be contacted on 01858 575431 or by emailing the School Office: office@welford.pdet.org.uk
What to do if you have a concern
Safeguarding across professional partners in Northamptonshire is co-ordinated by the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership. We operate in liaison with them to ensure vital information about the safeguarding of children is shared effectively. The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a triage and advice hub for members of the public as well as professionals to share concerns about the welfare and safety of children in the county.
To contact the MASH:
- The duty number is 0300 1261000 or email (secure email address)
- To make a referral to MASH please use the multi-agency: Referral Form
For more information about safeguarding in Northamptonshire, please look at the West Northamptonshire Council's Safeguarding pages Safeguarding | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)
If you have safeguarding concerns about the conduct of a member of staff, these should be referred to Mrs Liz Crofts. You can also contact the Designated Officer (LADO) to report concerns about a member of staff Designated Officer (formerly LADO) - Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Board (northamptonshirescb.org.uk).
Members of staff with a concern about a colleague can follow the Whistleblowing Policy (on our Policies page) or report concerns to Mrs Liz Crofts. If concerns are about Mrs Liz Crofts, they should be reported to the Chair of Governors, via the school office.