Safeguarding
At Bitterne CE Primary, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. It means protecting children from harm, ensuring their safety, and creating a secure environment where they can thrive and achieve their full potential.
What Safeguarding Means
Safeguarding involves:
- Protecting children from abuse, neglect, and harm.
- Promoting the health, well-being, and development of every child.
- Ensuring children have a safe and caring environment to learn and grow.
What We Do to Safeguard Your Children
We take safeguarding seriously and have strong measures in place, including:
- Robust Policies: Our safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed and follow all national and local guidelines.
- Vetting Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers undergo thorough background checks, including DBS clearance.
- Clear Reporting Procedures: All staff know the signs of abuse and how to report them.
- Child Self-Referral: Children are able to request time to talk to an adult about any concerns they may have.
- Regular Training: Staff are trained to recognize signs of harm and know how to respond appropriately.
- Secure Premises: Our school environment is safe, with controlled access and regular safety checks.
Meet Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are Level 3 trained to oversee safeguarding and respond to concerns:
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Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs Jen Johnson - Headteacher
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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs Clare Bailey - Senior Assistant Headteacher
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Assistant Designated Safeguarding Leads - Mrs Sullivan - Assistant Headteacher; Mrs Natalie Gear - SENDCo; Mrs Clare Horan - Business Manager and Mrs Amy Davies - Family Support Officer.
They are here to ensure the safety of all children, You can contact our DSL team at:
phone: 02380 499494
email: dsl@bitterneceprimary.net
Support for Children and Families
If you need advice or support, our team is here to help. Additionally, you can contact Southampton Children’s Resource Service for further assistance and out of hours suport:
- Phone: 023 8083 3304 (Monday to Thursday 8:30-5pm; Friday 8:30-4:40pm)
- Out-of-Hours Emergency Team: 023 8023 3344 (weekends, out of school hours and bank holiday)
- Website: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/children-families/childrens-social-care/report-a-concern-about-a-child/childrens-resource-service/
- If a child is in immediate danger, call 999
Children can contact the NSPCC directly on 0800 1111
What to Do if You Have a Concern About a Child
If you’re worried about a child’s safety or well-being, please take action:
- Speak to one of our DSLs at school.
- Contact Southampton Children’s Resource Service at the numbers above.
- In an emergency, if you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
We all have a responsibility to protect children. Your vigilance and actions can make a vital difference in a child’s life. Thank you for working with us to keep every child safe.
At Bitterne CE Primary School the safeguarding of our children is the highest priority. Please see our Safeguarding and Child Protection policies located in our policies page.
Useful Links
Southampton Safeguarding Children's Partnership