Woodside Junior School recognises the responsibility it has under section 175 (Section 157 for Independent Schools and Academies) of the Education Act 2002 to have arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  In addition, Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a statutory responsibility to ‘have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This is known as Prevent Duty.

At Woodside Junior School, Safeguarding and Child Protection are paramount.  We are fully committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all our children and expect all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment. We believe that all pupils have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment, which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse and where staff are vigilant for signs of any pupil in distress and are confident about applying the processes to avert and alleviate any such problems.  Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm – safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment – and that we all feel safe in our environment.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This means that we have a Child Protection Policy and procedures in place. Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare. If a member of staff is concerned about a child’s welfare, they will record their concern, and any observations or conversation heard, and report to one of the DSLs as soon as possible the same day.

If a member of staff has concerns which relate to the actions or behaviour of another member of staff (which could suggest that s/he is unsuitable to work with children) then this will be reported to the Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher) who will consider what action to take.

***If you have an urgent concern about a child – please speak to a member of the DSL team immediately.***

The school pays full regard to the DfES guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’.  We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the school and who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult - including volunteers and staff employed by contractors.  Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, and checking previous employment history.  It also includes undertaking interviews and DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) checks.

***Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm and that we all feel safe in our environment.***

Safeguarding Team

Further information and details can be found within the school's Child Protection Policy (please click here to view this policy). 

Contact details can be found within the policy and on our contact us page.