Safeguarding Children
Safeguarding at Witton Middle School
Safeguarding Information for Visitors
All visitors must report to the school office on arrival and sign in using the visitor management system. Visitors may be asked to provide photographic identification at any time while on site. All staff, governors and regular volunteers are subject to appropriate pre-employment, DBS and suitability checks in line with statutory guidance.
The school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs Leanne Neeson.
The school's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) are:
- Miss Jemma Carr
- Mrs Julie Davies
- Mrs Suzie Bourne
- Miss Lucy Griffin
- Mr Dan Roberts
- Mrs Stacey Egginton
- Mr Lawrence Crabb
- Mrs Debbie Pickett
If you have any concern about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child, no matter how small it may seem, you must report it immediately to the DSL or one of the Deputy DSLs. Please do not assume that somebody else will report it.
All visitors receive a WMS Safeguarding Leaflet which outlines their safeguarding responsibilities while on site.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, together with related safeguarding procedures, is available on the school's website and on request from the school office.
As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies where there are concerns about a child's safety or welfare. Wherever appropriate, we will discuss these concerns with parents/carers and seek their involvement. However, there may be circumstances where information is shared without parental knowledge or consent if doing so is necessary to protect a child or is otherwise permitted by law.
Filtered Content and Websites
All internet access at Witton Middle School is filtered and monitored in line with Department for Education guidelines to help keep pupils safe online. Filtering systems restrict access to inappropriate content, while monitoring systems help identify potential safeguarding concerns. These measures are regularly reviewed and are supported by a comprehensive online safety curriculum that promotes safe and responsible use of technology.
Additional information recommended by C.E.O.P.
Follow the links below to information recommended by C.E.O.P. as good sources of help for parents.
Setting Boundaries Around Gaming
Parents & Carers Vaping Leaflet
Sharing Images Online Safely
As children become more confident online, they may use messaging apps, online games, social media and other platforms to communicate with others and share photographs, videos and personal content.
Parents and carers are encouraged to talk openly with their children about the safe and responsible use of technology. Children should understand that once an image, video or message has been shared online, it can be difficult to control who sees it or how it may be used.
Children should never feel pressured to share photographs, videos or personal information. They should know that it is okay to say no, to block or report users who make them feel uncomfortable, and to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about something they have seen or experienced online.
If a child has shared an image, been asked to share an image, or has concerns about content being shared online, support and advice are available. Parents, carers and young people can find helpful information through the websites listed below.
Useful Resources
- CEOP Safety Centre - advice and reporting for online safety concerns.
- NSPCC Online Safety - guidance for parents and carers on keeping children safe online.
- Childnet - Parents and Carers - practical resources and information about online safety.
- Internet Matters - advice on parental controls, apps, gaming and social media.
If you have concerns about your child’s online safety, please contact the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs).
Websites/Advice Sheets for Parents
NSPCC Online Safety Hub
Practical guidance for parents and carers on social media, gaming, parental controls and online safety.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Childnet
Advice and resources to help families stay safe online.
https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/
Internet Matters
Expert advice on parental controls, apps, gaming and social media.
https://www.internetmatters.org/
Child Protection and Exploitation
Parents Protect (Lucy Faithfull Foundation)
Advice and resources to help parents protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/
PACE (Parents Against Child Exploitation)
Support and information for parents and carers concerned about child exploitation.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
YoungMinds
Mental health information and support for children, young people, parents and carers.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Mind
Advice and support on mental health and wellbeing.
Samaritans
Support and guidance for anyone concerned about emotional wellbeing, self-harm or suicide.
Additional Support
NSPCC
Advice and support covering a wide range of safeguarding issues affecting children and young people.
If you have any safeguarding concerns about a child, please contact the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs).