Safeguarding is EVERYONE's business....

At Didcot Primary Academy your child's safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us.  We have several members of staff who have received enhanced training in order to be 'Designated Safeguarding Lead' in school.

Mrs Vickers (Assistant Principal and Inclusion Manager) is currently the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Mrs Ashcroft ( Principal) is a Deputy Safeguarding Lead along with Mr Lamming (Assistant Principal), Mr Hyde (Assistant Principal) and Alex Wright (Family Support Worker).  This means that there is always someone available on the school site should a safeguarding issue arise.

If you are concerned about a child at the school please contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub immediately on 0345 050 7666. Safeguarding is everyone's business.

Every member of staff at Didcot Primary School receives training on Safeguarding throughout the school year.  Staff also have to read Keeping Children Safe in Education in order to keep their knowledge current.

Ensuring your child's safety...Safer Recruitment

Every member of staff at Didcot Primary Academy is rigorously checked to ensure that they are suitable to work in our school.  This means that this includes:

• when we advertise we make our checks about safeguarding very clear.
• applicants have to complete our own application form - CV's are not considered.
• positions are only secured when satisfactory references have been received and checked.
• Enhanced DBS check is undertaken

Keeping your child safe 

We create a culture and ethos in our school of trust and support.  Children should be able to talk to any one of our caring staff if they have concerns or worries (or for any other reason).  If your child says something that is concerning this may be noted down on our computer based system and the safeguarding leads will be notified.  Staff will also be vigilant  for signs of any abuse, for example: bruises in peculiar places, extreme hunger or tiredness, change of personality, change in appearance etc.

Usually staff will ask you about this directly - and sometimes there will be a very plausible reason for this.  This is why it is vital that you keep us informed if something happens at home so that we can do our very best to support your child. 

If the designated leads feel that you may need some extra support the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub will be contacted with a referral.  You will generally be informed that we are going to make a referral directly - unless we feel that your child will be in danger if we did so - in which case they will be contacted without prior discussion with the parent. 

If the multi agency hub believe that the referral meets their threshold they will carry out an assessment of need, contacting other professionals and yourselves.  A meeting will be held to see if the information meets the criteria for Child Protection and you will be given support and guidance with the aim to provide your child with a safe and secure childhood - the minimum any parent desires for their child.