Safeguarding
Cummersdale School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all pupils. It is the school belief that all children have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment which includes ensuring they are protected from all types of abuse.
It is important that should anyone, whether a member of the school or local community, have a concern about the welfare of a child within the school or if you have any safeguarding queries, please contact the school to speak to one of the safeguarding team:
Ring: 01228 592087
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Mr Jones (Headteacher) email: head@cummersdale.cumbria.sch.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguard Lead (DDSL)- Mrs Fay Scott (SENCo) email: fscott@cummersdale.cumbria.sch.uk
According to the DfE, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:
- protecting children from maltreatment;
- preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health or development;
- ensuring children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
- taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
Safeguarding is not just concerned with protecting children from deliberate harm. Safeguarding relates to all aspects of school life and a collective set of measures to ensure that every child is kept safe and feels safe. Safeguarding covers child protection, health care plans, health and safety, site security, safety on school trips, anti-bullying work, online safety and much more.
We take safeguarding very seriously and work with several agencies to ensure that all our children are safe. We have a robust Child Protection Policy, which is reviewed regularly. We are legally bound to take all disclosures seriously by children. Staff and governors receive regular training in all aspects of child protection and safeguarding.
Our Child Protection Policy is attached below.
Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP)
The CSCP is responsible for ensuring that all agencies work together to safeguard children. The CSCP website has a wealth of information and guidance for all aspects of safeguarding.
Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass is a unique police and education early intervention partnership which supports children and young people who are exposed to domestic abuse. Operation Encompass will report to schools, before the start of the school day, any incidents involving a pupil or where a pupil has been exposed to abuse, the previous night. Information is shared in strict confidence to the DSL or DDSL to enable support to be put in place depending on the needs and wishes of the child.
Useful links for parents:
NSPCC helpline - 0800 136 663
CEOP for Parents/Carers: CEOP
Parents' guide for safe YouTube and Internet streaming: Safety Detectives
Child Protection Policy 2023