Safeguarding

At The Cherwell School, every child's safety and wellbeing comes first. Children can only make the most of the opportunities school offers when they feel safe, happy and cared for.

Our values guide how we do this. Kindness means we notice when a young person isn't okay and make sure they're heard. Responsibility means every adult in our school, whether staff, volunteer or visitor, acts on any concern, however small. Excellence means our staff are well trained, our procedures are rigorous, and we keep improving them. Together, these make sure every child has the Opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.

Worried about a child? Act without delay

• If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999

• During school hours, contact our Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@cherwellschool.org or call the school on 01865 558719 and ask for a member of the team.

• Outside school hours, or if you prefer to go directly, contact the Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 050 7666, or the police on 101

• If your concern is about an adult who works with children, contact the Oxfordshire Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on 01865 810603, email LADO.safeguardingchildren@oxfordshire.gov.uk, or use the referral form on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Our Safeguarding Team

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has overall responsibility for safeguarding in school. They are supported by Deputy DSLs, who are trained to the same level. You can contact any of them through safeguarding@cherwellschool.org

	Ms Shontelle Magenty Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead
	Ms Jacqui Wells Safeguarding Officer and Senior Deputy DSL
	Ms Maxine McConville Safeguarding Coordinator and Deputy DSL
	Mr John Henderson Deputy DSL
	Mr Jermaine Jarvis Assistant Headteacher (Transition), Deputy DSL and Designated Teacher for Children We Care For (students who are in care, or who have previously been in care)
	Mr Chris Price Headteacher and Deputy DSL

How we keep children safe

• Safer recruitment: we check that every member of staff and every volunteer is suitable to work with children.

• Trained staff: all staff are trained to spot the signs that a child may need help, and they know exactly how to report concerns.

• Teaching students to stay safe: through tutor time, assemblies, PSHE and Social Wellbeing lessons, students learn about healthy relationships, staying safe online and where to go for help.

• Clear procedures: concerns are recorded, acted on quickly and followed up.

• Early help: we work to identify children who need extra support early, before problems grow.

• Protecting against extremism: we follow the Prevent duty, which helps protect young people from being drawn into extremism or radicalisation.

Working with you

In almost every case, if we are worried about your child, we will talk to you first. If we need to share our concerns with other services, such as the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, we will normally tell you before we do.

Very occasionally, we may need to make a referral without speaking to you first. We will only do this if we believe it is the best way to keep your child safe, and we will record the reasons for our decision.

Help for families

Every family goes through difficult times, and asking for help is a sign of strength. If you're worried about anything, such as your child's anxiety, behaviour, friendships, online safety, school attendance, or pressures at home, please talk to a member of staff you know and trust. Often, one conversation is enough to find the right support.

Sometimes we may suggest working with other services who are better placed to help. In Oxfordshire, this may involve completing a Strengths and Needs form together. We will only share your information with your permission.

Keeping safe online

Online safety, including the sharing of nude or semi-nude images, is an issue for young people everywhere. We teach it regularly through assemblies, tutor time, PSHE and Social Wellbeing lessons. The NSPCC's online safety advice has practical guidance for parents and carers.

Find out more about [how we respond to sexual harassment, sexual violence and harmful sexual behaviour].

Where to find support

For young people

• Childline: free, confidential support for any worry. Call 0800 1111.

• CEOP / Thinkuknow: advice on staying safe online, and a way to report online abuse.

• YoungMinds: support for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

• NSPCC Report Abuse in Education: for anyone affected by sexual abuse or harassment in school. Call 0800 136 663.

For families in Oxfordshire

• Oxfordshire Early Help Guide for Families

• Oxfordshire Family Information Service

• Strengthening Family Relationships services

• CAMHS (Oxford Health): child and adolescent mental health services

• Domestic Abuse Support Service

• NSPCC Helpline, for any adult worried about a child: 0808 800 5000