Safeguarding means protecting children from harm or the potential for harm in all environments including at home, in school, on the street and in the digital world. It also means helping children to grow up into confident, healthy and happy adults.
Most children generally enjoy happy childhood experiences within their own family. Unfortunately for some, this is not the case. As a parent, carer, neighbour, member of staff, volunteer or anyone in contact with children and families you may at times have concerns about the welfare of a child. These could be concerns about their development, appearance or behaviour which may indicate signs of abuse or neglect.
Thongsley Fields Primary & Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Our Safeguarding team
Mrs S Frampton – Designated Safeguarding Lead. Inclusion Lead (SENCo). sframpton@thongsleyfields.org
Mr David Jones – Safeguarding Team. Headteacherhead@thongsleyfields.org
Mrs L West – Safeguarding Team. Deputy Headteacher. lwest@thongsleyfields.org
Miss P Forster – Safeguarding Team. Nursery Lead pforster@thongsleyfields.org
Under the Education Act 2002 (sections 175/157), schools must “make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.” We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment where children are respected, valued, and supported.
- Staff remain vigilant to signs of abuse or neglect and follow Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures.
- All concerns about a child’s welfare—including risks of neglect, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse—must be passed on by staff, as required by law.
- Records of welfare concerns may be kept, and staff will usually discuss these with parents/carers. However, if a child is suspected to be at risk of harm, advice may be sought from other agencies without prior parental notification.
- Information is shared securely and sensitively, in line with local protocols, and only when necessary to protect children and ensure they receive appropriate support.
- Where there is reasonable cause to suspect significant harm, schools will seek advice from Social Care. Occasionally, concerns may prove unfounded, but staff act at all times in accordance with the law and in the best interests of children.
- Under Section 3(5) of the Children Act 1989, schools or any person caring for a child may take reasonable steps to safeguard or promote their welfare. On rare occasions, this may mean a child is kept in school while Social Care and the police investigate further.
Prevent is one of the four elements of CONTEST, the government’s counter-terrorism strategy (Pursue, Protect, Prepare, Prevent). Its purpose is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, including through grooming or radicalisation.
The Prevent strategy:
- Responds to the ideological challenge posed by terrorism and extremism.
- Provides practical support to prevent individuals being drawn into extremist activity.
- Works across sectors including education, justice, faith, charities, online platforms, and health services.
- Addresses all forms of terrorism, including far-right extremism and aspects of non-violent extremism.
We follow the principles outlined in Department for Education guidance. We will:
- Raise awareness of the risks posed by extremist groups and the potential impact on young people.
- Equip staff with knowledge about causes of extremism, preventative actions, and sources of advice.
- Empower pupils to build resilient communities, protecting the wellbeing of those who may be vulnerable.
- Provide guidance on managing risks and responding to incidents locally, nationally, or internationally that may affect our school community.