Safeguarding and Child Protection

At Carr Hill Primary and Nursery School, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a secure, caring and supportive environment in which every child feels safe, valued and able to learn.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all members of staff work together to protect children from harm and support them to thrive both in school and beyond.

Our commitment to safeguarding

We take our safeguarding duties seriously and work in line with:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Nottinghamshire safeguarding procedures and guidance

Safeguarding at Carr Hill includes:

• Protecting children from abuse and neglect
• Promoting children’s health, safety and wellbeing
• Supporting pupils’ emotional and mental health
• Teaching children how to keep themselves safe

Our safeguarding approach ensures that children are supported to feel safe, be listened to and know who they can talk to if they are worried.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

We have trained and experienced staff responsible for safeguarding and child protection.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Vanessa Smith, Pastoral Lead
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads: Doug Campbell, Headteacher, Karen Footit, Deputy Head Teacher (Mon-Wed), Karen Thompson Deputy Head Teacher (Thu & Fri) & SENDCo & Jema Betts, School Business Manager

The DSL team oversees safeguarding practice, offers advice to staff, and works closely with families and external agencies where necessary.

If you have a safeguarding concern, please speak to a member of the DSL team as soon as possible.

Staff training and responsibilities

All staff at Carr Hill:

• Receive regular safeguarding and child protection training
• Know the signs of abuse and neglect
• Understand how to report and record concerns
• Follow clear safeguarding procedures

Volunteers, governors and visitors are also provided with safeguarding information and are expected to adhere to school policies.

Child Protection

If a member of staff has concerns about a child’s welfare, they will follow our child protection procedures immediately. This may include:

• Recording concerns accurately and confidentially
• Speaking to the DSL
• Seeking advice or making referrals to appropriate agencies

We work closely with Children’s Social Care, health professionals and other agencies to ensure children and families receive the help they need at the right time.

Online safety

We recognise the importance of keeping children safe online.

We:

• Teach pupils about online safety through the curriculum
• Promote responsible and safe use of technology
• Monitor the use of digital devices in school
• Provide guidance for parents to support online safety at home

Online safety is an essential part of our safeguarding approach, helping children to understand how to protect themselves in a digital world.

Working in partnership with parents and carers

We believe safeguarding works best when school and families work together.

Parents and carers are encouraged to:

• Share any worries or concerns with us
• Inform school about changes that may affect a child’s wellbeing
• Speak to staff if they need advice or support

We treat concerns sensitively and will always aim to work in the best interests of the child.

If you have a concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child:

• Speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a member of staff
• Contact the school office, who will direct you appropriately

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, please contact:

• Children’s Social Care, or
• The Police on 999

Safeguarding policies

Our safeguarding‑related policies include:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Behaviour Policy
• Anti‑Bullying Policy
• Online Safety Policy
• Attendance Policy

These policies are available on our website or from the school office upon request.

At Carr Hill Primary and Nursery School, safeguarding is central to our ethos. By working together, we ensure that every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn.