South Petherton Infants and Pre-School Safeguarding Statement

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

We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.

We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure pupils receive effective support, protection and justice.

South Petherton Infants and Pre-School aims to work in close partnership with parents to support the children in every way possible. However, there is a clear responsibility on all schools to ensure they work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.

As a result, if concerns are raised within the school, or a child or parent reports a situation involving possible abuse, we are required to refer such matters to the appropriate Children’s Services, in line with Government and Somerset Council policy.

South Petherton Infants and Pre-School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Consequently all adults working in school are required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Enhanced Police Check.

We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, children and staff at school. All concerns are passed through the members of staff who are trained as Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy Leads in school in compliance with the sharing of information guidance.  Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Shan Weston - Headteacher at the Infant School and Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Rose Bennett - Business Manager at the School. Our Pre-School Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Shan Weston - and Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Miss Lucy May – Pre-School Practitioner as well as Mrs Hannah Ryland - Pre-School and Early Years SEND Practitioner.

If you have any serious concerns about your child or any other pupil at South Petherton Infants and Pre-School please do not hesitate to contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead who knows who to contact for the best advice and help and is experienced in using the appropriate degree of confidentiality.

For the best interests of all our children we use the following safeguarding measures.

Cause for Concern

All staff at the School and Pre-School are asked to report any causes for concern to the School Safeguarding Team using 'My Concern' (A Child Protection Online Management System). This electronic system is used by many schools and enables the Safeguarding Team to effectively monitor pupils throughout the School and Pre-School.

If you have a concern about a child's safety out of school hours please contact Children's Social Care direct on 0300 123 2224.  

For further information please visit: http://www.somerset.gov.uk/childrens-services/safeguarding-children/report-a-child-at-risk/