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Information and support

At Ashbrook Junior School, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating a safe, caring and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, listened to and protected.

The wellbeing and safety of our pupils is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, happy and supported, and we work closely with families and partner agencies to ensure every child receives the help they need at the earliest opportunity.

All staff, governors, volunteers and visitors share a responsibility for safeguarding our pupils. Staff receive regular safeguarding training and follow the latest statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are also fully committed to promoting children's welfare through early help, effective partnership working and a culture where children know they can speak to trusted adults.

Safeguarding covers much more than child protection. It includes promoting children's physical and emotional wellbeing, supporting positive mental health, online safety, attendance, preventing bullying, protecting children from exploitation and abuse, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Safeguarding Team

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs):

  • Mrs Dell – Head of School, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Behaviour Lead and Looked After Children Lead
  • Mrs Tarrant – Executive Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Lead
  • Mrs Johnstone – Deputy Headteacher, SENCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead
  • Mrs Everitt – Safeguarding and Attendance Officer, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Mrs Hadfield- Safeguarding Admin

Safeguarding Governor- (To be updated)

What to do if you have a concern

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child, please do not ignore your concerns.

During school hours

Please contact the school office immediately:

Telephone: 01332 673785. Alternatively, ask to speak directly to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads. We aim to have a DSL on the school gate each morning.

Outside school hours

You can email our safeguarding team:

safeguarding@ashbrook-jun.derbyshire.sch.uk

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, always contact the police by calling 999.

Derbyshire Help and Support

If you are concerned about a child or family and need advice or support, Derbyshire's Starting Point service is the first point of contact for children's services and early help.

Starting Point

  • Telephone: 01629 533190
  • Monday to Friday: 8.00am – 6.00pm

Starting Point offers advice, guidance and access to early help services to support children, young people and families across Derbyshire.

Working Together with Families

We know that parents and carers play the most important role in keeping children safe. Building strong relationships between home and school helps children to feel secure, confident and ready to learn.

We encourage parents and carers to talk to us if they need advice or support. Whether you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, mental health, friendships, attendance, online safety or family circumstances, we are here to help and will always do our best to support you or signpost you to the right services.

Online Safety

Technology plays an important role in children's lives and education. We teach pupils how to stay safe online and work with families to help children develop healthy, positive and responsible digital habits.

Parents and carers can find guidance on topics including:

  • Social media
  • Gaming
  • Online bullying
  • Screen time
  • Privacy settings
  • Age-appropriate apps
  • Reporting online concerns

Please visit our Online Safety page for advice, resources and the latest guidance.

Useful Safeguarding Resources

We recommend the following organisations for trusted advice and support:

Safeguarding Policies

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, along with other safeguarding-related policies, can be found in the Policies section of our website.

These include:

  • Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education Information
  • Online Safety Policy
  • Behaviour Policy
  • Attendance Policy
  • Anti-Bullying Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Staff Code of Conduct
  • Prevent Risk Assessment and Guidance

If you would like a paper copy of any safeguarding policy, please contact the school office.