At Ickford School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a happy, positive and supportive environment where all children and staff feel safe, valued and able to flourish.

The welfare of children underpins all aspects of school life and informs every decision we make. We recognise that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from harm and abuse. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

We believe that effective safeguarding is achieved through strong partnerships. Working closely with children, parents, carers, professionals and external agencies is essential in promoting children’s wellbeing and ensuring they are kept safe.

How We Keep Children Safe

We seek to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people by:

• Valuing, listening to and respecting all children

• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), two Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) and a Lead Trustee for Child Protection

• Adopting and implementing robust safeguarding and child protection policies, procedures and codes of conduct for all staff and volunteers

• Ensuring effective online safety policies and procedures are in place

• Providing regular, high-quality safeguarding training and ongoing support so that all staff and volunteers understand and confidently follow safeguarding procedures.

 Ickford School actively promotes a strong culture of safeguarding through robust safer recruitment practices, ensuring that all required checks are completed before staff and volunteers begin work. We record, store and share safeguarding information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and statutory guidance. We follow clear safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns promptly and appropriately with relevant agencies and to manage any allegations against staff or volunteers in line with statutory guidance. We maintain a strong anti-bullying culture supported by clear policies and procedures, alongside effective complaints and whistleblowing arrangements. We also ensure a safe physical environment through robust health and safety practices that meet legal and regulatory requirements, fostering an environment in which everyone feels respected, listened to and confident in raising concerns.

Safeguarding Lead DSL– Dawn Basnett

DDSL – Sophie Holmes

DDSL – Emma Honey 

Our Ickford School Safeguarding statement should be read in conjunction with our Child Protection Policy and Behaviour Policy, which are available below.