Safeguarding

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

A safe school is essential for pupils to thrive and safeguarding is the golden thread that runs through everything we do in school. We ensure that all staff and students are aware of the dangers both real and virtual that our society faces today. We also ensure all of the school community understand the importance of this and know what to do if they have any concerns.

Downside School acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The School is committed to ensuring our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance, and complies with best practice and DFE and ISI requirements.

Safeguarding children is our primary concern and we work in partnership with parents and families to ensure that all children and young people are safe and able to thrive at Downside and beyond.

Anyone who has concerns about a child’s welfare, including any concern that the child is suffering significant harm or is likely to do so, should contact a member of the safeguarding team safeguarding@downside.co.uk or call 01761 235100. If an allegation is against a member of staff, the Head must be informed. In all cases the guidelines laid down by the Department of Education and South West Child Protection Procedures must be followed www.proceduresonline.com/swcpp/somerset/index.html.

Please also refer to Downside School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

Child Protection & Safeguarding Team

Ms Michelle Pye
Head of Nursing, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
01761 235100
mpye@downside.co.uk
Mr ANDREW HOBBS
Head and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
01761 235100
ahobbs@downside.co.uk
Mr MICHAEL RANDALL
Deputy Head, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
01761 235100
mrandall@downside.co.uk
Mrs CLAIRE MURPHY
Director of Pastoral Care, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
01761 235100
cmurphy@downside.co.uk
Mr BEN EDGE
Head of Academic PE & Co-ordinator of PSHEE, SMSC and RSE, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
01761 235100
bedge@downside.co.uk
Mrs TERRI WILCOX
Governor with responsibility for Child Protection at Downside School
01761 235100
twilcox@downside.co.uk