Safeguarding

Students are encouraged to speak to:

• their tutor
• a trusted member of staff
• the safeguarding team
• pastoral staff

They can do this in person or through the school’s ePraise system.

Students are reminded regularly that no concern is too small to share.

Operation Encompass is a partnership between schools and the police. It ensures that, when the police attend an incident where a child has been exposed to domestic abuse or other significant concerns, the school is informed before the start of the next school day.

This information allows us to provide timely and appropriate support for students who may be experiencing difficulties.

At Whitstone School, a trained member of staff—our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)—acts as the Key Adult for Operation Encompass. They receive this information confidentially and use it to ensure that students are supported in a sensitive and appropriate way.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises that children who experience domestic abuse are victims in their own right. We are committed to responding to this and ensuring that every student feels safe, supported and understood.We believe that being part of Operation Encompass strengthens our ability to safeguard students and provide the care and support they need.

Every year, all staff begin the academic year with a safeguarding refresher. These include training in Cyber Security, Female Genital Mutilation Awareness, The Prevent Duty, Domestic Abuse: Children and Young People, Online Safety, Childre Protection in Education and a Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 1 Questionnaire.  In addition, staff are required to familiarise themselves with our Whistle Blowing Policy, Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 1, Information Sharing Guidelines and our school’s safeguarding policy.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead and any Deputy Safeguarding Leads have all undertaken Advanced Child Protection training through the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the school and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team.

📞 01749 345555

If you are worried about a child or young person:

• Contact the school and ask to speak to the safeguarding team.
• If a child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 999.
• You can also contact local services for advice and support.

If you have witnessed a crime, you must report this directly to the police and not the school.

Schools must act on all concerns and share information with appropriate agencies when necessary to protect children.

Should you have any concerns in terms of safeguarding relating to the behaviour or welfare of a member of staff, you should immediately contact the Headteacher. Should you feel that your concerns have not been dealt with appropriately by the school or Chair of Trustees, you should contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Anthony Goble (0300 123 2224) – email: sdinputters@somerset.gov.uk

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

Parents and carers can help by:

• talking openly with their child about safety
• monitoring online activity and social media use
• Contacting the school if they have any concerns

We aim to communicate clearly with families and offer guidance where needed.

Key safeguarding policies or those related to safeguarding can be found on our website:

• Attendance Policy
• Behaviour Policy
• Critical Incident Policy
• Data Protection and Freedom of Information Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• PHSE Policy
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• SEND Policy
• Relationships and Sex Education Policy (RSE)
• Anti-Bullying Policy / Respect Strategy
• Whistleblowing Policy

These policies are reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect current legislation and best practice.