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'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.' (KCSIE 2024)
'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.' (KCSIE 2024)
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at Baldwins Gate Primary School. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child in our care. Creating a safe and nurturing environment allows children to thrive, feel secure, and be ready to learn. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and know how to recognise and respond to concerns. We teach children how to keep themselves safe through our curriculum, including lessons on online safety, personal boundaries, and healthy relationships. Our safeguarding procedures are robust and regularly reviewed, and we work closely with families and external agencies to ensure every child is supported. Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility, and at Baldwins Gate, it is a priority in every aspect of school life.
As part of our strong commitment to safeguarding at Baldwins Gate Primary School, we follow safer recruitment practices for all staff appointments. This means that every stage of the recruitment process is designed to ensure the suitability of candidates working with children. All staff, volunteers, and governors undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before starting their role, and references and employment histories are thoroughly reviewed. We ensure that safeguarding is a key focus in interviews and that all new staff receive a clear induction, including safeguarding training. These measures help us maintain a safe and secure environment where children can learn, grow, and feel protected.
All staff at Baldwins Gate Primary School are trained to at least Level 1 in safeguarding, ensuring they have a clear understanding of how to recognise, respond to, and report concerns. This training is regularly reviewed and updated in line with the latest statutory guidance and safeguarding developments. We make sure that any new updates or changes in legislation are shared promptly with the whole team, and we regularly discuss safeguarding scenarios and good practice in staff meetings. This ongoing focus ensures that safeguarding remains a high priority for everyone and that our staff are confident and well-prepared to keep our children safe.
At Baldwins Gate are designated safegaurding leads are Mrs L Lowndes (Headteacher) and Mrs S Maude (Deputyheadteacher). Our Buzz club manager is also level 3 trained; Mr J Smith.
Mr Phil Harrison is our designated safeguarding governor.
To view our school safeguarding policy click here.
Operation Encompass
Staffordshire Police have launched a project in partnership with local education authorities to safeguard and secure children who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Operation Encompass, which was launched on Monday 1st February is a police and education partnership which ensures that a child’s school is informed, prior to the start of the next school day, that there has been an incident of domestic abuse to which the child or young person has been exposed.
Each school is informed of all domestic abuse incidents, not just those where an offence can be identified or those which are graded as high risk. The partnership recognises that all incidents of domestic abuse can be harmful to children and young people.
The information from the police is passed via telephone call to the school’s designated safeguarding lead or their deputy (known as a key adult). This ensures the information is passed to someone who has the relevant safeguarding training and who understands how to manage confidential information in line with other child protection information.
Baldwins Gate C of E (VC) Primary School are proud to be part of Operation Encompass. We strive to implement early support for all children who are involved in domestic abuse incidents. Even hearing a domestic abuse incident can be highly traumatising for a child or young person.
If you believe somebody you know is a victim or a perpetrator of domestic abuse, please phone the Children’s advice and Duty Service on 01782 235100. If you hear or witness domestic abuse anywhere, please phone 999 to report.
Do you have a safeguarding concern?
Safeguarding all children from harm is everyone’s business.
Most children enjoy generally safe and happy childhood experiences within their own family but unfortunately for some, this is not the case. During difficult family times everyone has a responsibility to protect children from future harm; good child care begins even before a child is born.
If you are concerned about a child in Staffordshire call:
Staffordshire Children’s Advice and Support (SCAS) on
0300 111 8007
8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
8.30am- 4.30pm Friday
or
EDS (out of hours) Tel No. 0345 604 2886
Or email: eds.team.manager@staffordshire.gov.uk
Non-emergency – call Staffordshire Police on 101; if it is an emergency call 999.
You will speak to a senior social worker who will be able to listen to your concerns and take appropriate actions.
Click on the link to take you to the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children's Board:
If you are concerned about a child in cheshire call:
ChECS (Cheshire East Consultation Service) on 0300 123 5012 (option 2) or, if it is outside office hours, 0300 123 5022.
Non-emergency – call Staffordshire Police on 101; if it is an emergency call 999.
If you are concerned about a child in Shropshire call:
The First Point of Contact team on 0345 678 9044 Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and Friday 9am to 4pm.
If you have urgent adult safeguarding concerns outside of these hours, please phone the Emergency Social Work Duty Team on 0345 678 9040.
If you are co concerned about a child in stoke-On-Trent call:
01782 235100 8am-6pm – (out of hours 01782 234234)
If you think a child or young person is in immediate danger telephone 999.
You can also speak to the qualified Safeguarding Officers allocated within your children’s school:
Safeguarding Lead – Mrs L Lowndes – Head Teacher
Safeguarding Lead – Mrs S Maude – Deputy Head Teacher
Deputy Safeguarding Lead – Mr J Smith - BUZZ club manager
Further Safeguarding Support
There are many valuable resources available to help you stay informed about the latest updates in safeguarding, as well as to guide and support parents and carers at home with any concerns they may have—these include local safeguarding boards, government websites, training courses, and trusted organisations that offer up-to-date advice and practical tools. Click on the links below to find out how these organisations can provide you with further support when you have any safeguarding concerns.
-Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP)
-NSPCC Keeping your child safe online
-Keep Children Safe from Sexual Abuse
Report abuse