At Meadowside Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring all pupils feel safe, supported and able to thrive in school and beyond. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work closely with parents, carers, pupils and external agencies to create a strong culture of safety and wellbeing. We adopt a ‘It could happen here’ approach so staff and leaders remain vigilant at all times.
Safeguarding at Meadowside
Throughout the year, we deliver regular whole school education on safeguarding using assemblies, workshops and targeted interventions which focus on key safeguarding and wellbeing themes, including:
· Online safety
· Mental health and emotional wellbeing
· Anti-bullying and hate
· Respect
· Healthy relationships
· Attendance and staying safe in the community
· Speaking up and getting help
Children receive regular lessons on online safety as part of the Digital Futures Programme, which has been developed by staff from primary schools in Gloucester.
Meet the Safeguarding Team
Pupuls can speak to any trusted adult in school, but we also have a dedicated safeguarding team:
Role | Name |
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) | Mr Dan Port |
Deputy DSL | Mrs Victoria Whitlock (Inclusion Lead) |
Deputy DSL | Mrs Catherine Mellersh |
For detailed information or to discuss any safeguarding matters, please contact the Safeguarding Team:
DSL@meadowsideprimary.co.uk
Gloucestershire Safeguarding
To report a concern if you are a member of the public:
During office hours
You can call Children and Families Front Door Service on 01452 426565 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). You can also discuss your concerns with someone who works with children and families, such as your health visitor, social worker, school nurse or teacher (all schools have a teacher responsible for child protection).
Out of office hours
If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999.
The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) are available for emergencies, out of office hours, which cannot safely wait until the next working day. You can call them on 01452 614194.
EDT is not intended to provide the same level of service that is available during normal office hours.
Emergencies
Enquiries needing an immediate response should be called in to prevent any delay.
This would include:
· When it is felt a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm
· When a child protection investigation is needed (because of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or chronic neglect)
Lifelines
There are a number of charities or organisations that can help support children and keep them safe from harm.
The NSPCC are there to help 24/7 and children can call their Childline number on 0800 1111
Help for adults concerned about a child can call 0808 800 5000
Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text 85258