Safeguarding & Child Protection

We take this seriously whilst retaining a balanced and human approach. We have excellent recruitment procedures; every member of staff has full checks and up to date references, as do visitors, regular volunteers, supply teachers and governors.  All staff receive appropriate training at regular intervals.  We have policies and practices that focus on ensuring the health and well-being of the children, for example: risk assessments before every class trip, an annual safety check of our playground, a medicines in school policy and staff presence at the school entrance at the start and end of every day.  We have well-established ways of monitoring and responding to incidents of concern, for example: unexplained absences, difficult behaviour and significant changes in physical or emotional appearance.  The ethos of the school is open so that staff, parents and children feel able to share concerns.  Parents who volunteer on a regular basis (at least once a week) or are unsupervised helpers, will be asked to undertake full DBS checks.

Use of Images (School)

When your child starts Woodlands Park Primary School and for the duration of their education here, parents/carers will be ask to complete a permission form to allow images of your child to be published by the school on the school's website or in press releases.  If you would like to change your parental preference then please contact the school office.  

Use of Cameras and Digital Images (Parents/Carers) - 'THINK BEFORE WE POST'

Woodlands Park Primary School are happy for parents and carers to take photos and videos at school events for personal use but please could we remind you that these images must not be distributed or put online unless they are only of your own children.  This is to protect and safeguard all members of the community.

The Data Protection Act does not stop parents from taking images or videos at school events but you would breach it if you did not have the consent from other parents whose children might be captured in those photos or videos.

How can parents help with keeping children safe?

• Make sure all addresses and contact numbers are up to date;
• If someone different is picking your child up, please let us know;
• Be at school on time every day at 8.50 am and 3.15/20 pm;
• Notify the school about your child’s absence – unexplained absences are a key trigger for concern;
• Take full note of the advice to parents if you are accompanying a class trip and ensure that you attend the briefing meeting;
• Share any concerns you may have about another child with any of the following Safeguarding Leads as shown below. 

If you would like to see a full copy of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy you can download it below or ask for a copy in the school office. We are happy to talk further with parents.

Safeguarding Officers

Useful links:

• The Devon Children and Families Partnership - Information for Parents & Carers
• Devon Child Protection - If you are concerned about the safety of a child in Devon, phone MASH 0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk - if a child is in immediate risk, call 999.
• National Online Safety Guides
• NSPCC - Help for adults concerned about a child, call 0808 800 5000. Help for children and young people, call Childline 0800 111.