Safeguarding Overview

Keeping children safe is our highest priority.

Safeguarding includes all aspects of child protection, safer recruitment, first aid, health and safety, and promoting children’s wellbeing. It is everyone’s responsibility, and we are fully committed to providing a safe, secure and supportive environment for all pupils.

Safeguarding Leadership

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs Michelle Ablitt.

She is supported by Mrs Julie Lillycrop, who is:

• Online Safety Lead

• Lead for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children

The Governor with responsibility for safeguarding oversight is Kate Pizzey.

Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates to ensure they understand how to recognise and respond to concerns. This includes training on issues such as radicalisation, extremism, and online safety.

Safeguarding expectations are also shared with volunteers, parent helpers and visitors who work with children in our school.

Anyone who may be left alone with a child or group of children is required to have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

If a member of staff has a concern that a child may be at risk of harm, the school has a legal duty to report this concern immediately to the appropriate authorities. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of the child.

We encourage parents and carers to share any concerns with Mrs Ablitt. It is always better to raise a concern — however small it may seem — so that we can provide support where needed.

Operation Encompass

We are proud to take part in Operation Encompass, a partnership between Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Police and local schools.

Operation Encompass ensures that schools are informed when a child has been present at, involved in, or witnessed a domestic abuse incident. This information is shared confidentially with the school’s safeguarding team by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on the next school day.

This enables us to provide timely and appropriate support for the child while they are in school.

We understand that children can be deeply affected — both physically and emotionally — by experiencing domestic abuse. By working closely with partner agencies, we can help ensure children feel safe, supported and understood.