At Watling Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.
We are committed to creating a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and protected. We believe that all children have the right to learn, develop, and thrive in a secure environment, and we work closely with families and external agencies to ensure they receive the support they need.
We expect all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Our Commitment
At Watling Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that:
- All children are safe and feel safe.
- Children know there are trusted adults they can talk to if they are worried.
- Children, parents and staff feel confident that concerns will be listened to and acted upon.
- Safeguarding concerns are identified and responded to quickly and effectively.
- Staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates.
- We work closely with families and partner agencies to secure the best outcomes for children.
We believe that listening to children is fundamental to effective safeguarding. We encourage all children to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried, upset or concerned about themselves or someone else.
Our safeguarding practice is guided by statutory guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and local safeguarding partnership procedures.
Meet Our Safeguarding Team
The Designated Safeguarding Lead at our school is Beth Shepherd, Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion).
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Vikki Pegg, Sarah Renwick, Grace Burrows, Emma Adams and Joseph Maloney.
Safeguarding Governors
Kate Gilbert and Liandra Walker
Safeguarding Policies and Key Documents
The Alliance Schools Trust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be found here.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the school immediately. No concern is too small to share. We will always take concerns seriously and work with the appropriate agencies to ensure children are safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential.
To raise any concern about a child’s safety, welfare or wellbeing, please contact the school immediately and ask to speak with a member of the safeguarding team. You can also send an email to DSL@watlingprimary.org.uk
Members of the public can also make a referral directly to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). This may be appropriate if you are concerned about a child outside of school or a child who does not attend Watling Primary School.
Milton Keynes MASH
- 01908 253169
- 01908 253170
Out of Hours Emergency Social Work Team
- 01908 265545
If a child or another person is in immediate danger, always call 999.
Concerns About a Member of Staff
If you have concerns regarding the conduct of a member of staff, volunteer or any other adult working in school, please contact the Headteacher immediately.
If your concern relates to the Headteacher, please contact our Chair of Governors (Jeremy Burey-Abraham) by emailing burey-abrahamj@watlingprimary.org.uk
The school follows statutory safeguarding procedures and local authority guidance when managing allegations or concerns relating to adults working with children.
Early Help and Family Support
Sometimes families need additional support. Early Help is about identifying concerns early and providing support before difficulties become more serious.
Our aim is to work in partnership with families to:
- Improve outcomes for children.
- Support attendance and engagement in school.
- Promote positive emotional wellbeing.
- Access appropriate services and support.
If you feel your family may benefit from additional support, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team.
Early Help A to Z Directory | Milton Keynes City Council
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing is an important part of safeguarding.
We recognise that children may experience worries, anxieties, or challenges which can impact their wellbeing and affect their ability to learn, feel safe and thrive. We work closely with families and external professionals to ensure children receive appropriate support.
In school, children can access support through trusted adults, pastoral provision, and tailored interventions where appropriate.
Online Safety
At Watling Primary School, we are committed to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our pupils in the digital world. With the increasing use of technology, it is extremely important that children learn how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Online safety is taught explicitly through our Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) and Computing lessons. We also make the most of additional opportunities to promote a holistic approach to online safety through the wider curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to engage in interactive learning, developing the skills they need to protect themselves online, from understanding privacy settings to recognising and reporting inappropriate content.
Together with parents and carers, we foster a supportive environment where children can confidently explore the digital world, knowing how to stay safe, secure, and respectful online. We have put together a list of resources you can use to support the work we do in school.
Our Online Safety website page provides further information.
The Prevent Duty
As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we are committed to protecting children from radicalisation and extremism.
The Prevent Duty requires schools to help safeguard children from being drawn into terrorism and extremist views. Through our curriculum and promotion of British Values, we encourage children to be respectful, tolerant and critical thinkers who understand the importance of living safely in modern Britain. Our School Rules and Watling Way values link closely to the British Values and further reinforce these key messages.
Useful Contacts and Support Services
Emergency Social Work Team
01908 265545
NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000
Childline
0800 1111
CEOP
www.ceop.police.uk