Safeguarding is what we do for all children to keep them safe whilst in our care. Child Protection describes the policy and procedures specifically for those children who are at risk of serious harm or have been seriously harmed.
Safeguarding starts as soon as children enter the school and aims to ensure that all our staff are well trained and know how to behave appropriately. Our staff and volunteers go through all safeguarding checks on successful appointments to the school. When staff have concerns they know who to speak to and understand the next steps that will take place.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. (Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2023)
Nursery Teacher and DSL
Headteacher and DSL
Assistant Headteacher and Deputy DSL
Deputy DSL and Learning Mentor
Deputy DSL, SENDCo and Inclusion Team
Should you have any safeguarding concerns, you should contact one of our Safeguarding officers. Our safeguarding governor is Mrs Kate Gawthorp. If you wish to make contact with Mrs Gawthorp, please contact the school office.
Safeguarding is a term which is broader than ‘child protection’ and relates to the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. Pupils’ safety is paramount at Gawthorpe Community Academy.
If parents/carers would like any further information regarding the safeguarding of children then please follow the below link.
Here at Gawthorpe Community Academy we are committed to the Wakefield and District Safeguarding Children Partnership’s ‘Young People’s Safeguarding Charter’. You will find our certificate in and around our Academy.
If you or some one you know needs any help or support then your first point of contact is Social Care Direct.
If you have an concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, young person or vulnerable adult then please contact Social Care Direct.
Any information you give will be treated with confidentiality.
Social Care Direct are open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Telephone: 0845 8 503 503
Early help brings together professionals who will work with your whole family, to try and improve things for eveyone. Early help can include support with things like parenting, employment, anti-social behaviour and emotional well being. They are for families who have children and young people up to the age of 19, or up to the age of 25 if SEND.
Having a team of professionals working with your family ensures you recieve the most appropriate help to meet your needs. Helping your family EARLY, before things get worse and more difficult to change, has being shown to be more effective.
Childrens First Hub: 01924 303272
Childline – national website and confidential helpline – 0800 1111
Talk to Frank – national drugs advice website and helpline – 0800 123 6600
Missing People – for children and young people who runaway and their families. Phone or text 116 000
CEOP Education – national internet safety website for children, young people and parents
Samaritans – confidential 24 hour helpline 116 123
Remember if you need someone to talk to you can talk to anyone at school or alternatively you can ring Childline on 0800 11 11 – 24 Hour Line. Please find further information about online safety on our online safety page.
