Worried about a child

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.

We make every effort to provide a safe and welcoming environment underpinned by a culture of openness where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to.  We maintain an attitude of "it could happen here" where safeguarding is concerned.

The school has a comprehensive policy so that we can provide staff, volunteers and governors with the framework they need in order to keep children safe and secure in our school and to inform parents and guardians how we will safeguard their children whist they are in our care.

If anyone has any concerns regarding the safeguarding and well-being of children at our school, these should be brought to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is Mrs Elena Hough (Headteacher).

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are:

• Miss Beth Tillyer, Assistant Headteacher Inclusion
• Mrs Naomi Ascroft-Leigh, Assistant Headteacher Curriculum
• Miss Ashleigh Denney, Extended Day Manager (currently on maternity leave)
• Mrs Sharon Bane, Upper Key Stage 2 Leader
• Ms Karen Petitt, Children and Families Pastoral Support

All members of staff have completed all the relevant Child Protection training.

Further details and information is contained within our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures available on our Policies webpage.

Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for ensuring children are protected through managing safeguarding policies, providing advice and support to staff and acting as the key contact for safeguarding concerns.  The DSL implements and reviews policies, coordinates staff training, keeps accurate records and liaises with external agencies such as Children's Services and the Police when necessary.

The core responsibilities of the DSL are:

• to develop, implement and keep the school's safeguarding and child protection policy up-to-date
• to act as a source of advice and expertise for all staff, ensuring they are trained and have the knowledge to recognise and respond to concerns
• to manage and record safeguarding concerns, making informed decisions on how to respond and when to make referrals to external agencies
• to act as the main point of contact between the school and other agencies e.g. local authorities, social care and the police
• to keep details, accurate and secure records of all safeguarding concerns, referrals and actions taken
• to work with the school staff, including governors, to embed a safeguarding culture within the school and ensure a safe environment for children

The Christ Church Primary School DSL is: Mrs Elena Hough, Headteacher

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) support the DSL and act in her place in her absence. 

SPA (Single Point of Access) for Kingston and Richmond Achieving for Children

If you have a concern about a child outside of school, or feel unable to talk to a DSL at school, then you should call Children's Services at the council where the child resides.  Anyone can contact Children's Services if they are worried that a child may be at risk.

Children's Services are told about cases of possible abuse or neglect by professionals or members of the public.  They also hear from parents needing support, other family members concerned about a child's welfare and sometimes from children themselves.

They can help with any queries you may have about support for children in Kingston and Richmond.  Regardless of who contacts them, they take the information seriously.

Tel: 020 8547 5008 (8am to 5:15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Friday)

Out of hours: 020 8770 5000

Or you can use the online referral form (hosted on the Richmond Council website for both boroughs) found on the SPA webpage.

Call 999 if you think a child or young person is in immediate danger.

Safeguarding during the holidays

Please click here for holiday safeguarding information and useful numbers.