Safeguarding
- If you have a concern about a child, please contact a DSL.
- If your concern is about an adult working or volunteering in the school, you should contact the Head teacher.
- If your concern is about the Head teacher, you should contact the Chair of the Governing Body.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Victoria Abbott
01483 417 214 or dsl@moss-lane.surrey.sch.uk
Deputy DSL(s) are: Amy Betterton, Viki King and Gilly Forbes Wood
The nominated safeguarding & child protection Governor is: Tom Crees
tcrees@moss-lane.surrey.sch.uk
The Chair of Governors is: Kyra Mumford
kmumford@moss-lane.surrey.sch.uk
What does a DSL do?
In our school the DSL’s responsibilities include:
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Respond to any safeguarding concerns.
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Liaise with social care and other agencies.
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Talk to parents about concerns raised where appropriate.
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Updates chronologies and school safeguarding records (Kerrie Adams oversees this).
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Leads on whole staff training and updates.
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Attend half termly safeguarding team meeting to go through cases and reflect on practise. The agenda for these meetings includes updates on cases, actions taken, feedback from case holders, review practise and procedures, reflect trends and any lessons learnt. Minutes are taken and distributed.
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Meet with the safeguarding governor at least termly and reports to Governors.
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Attend Local Authority DSL networks.
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Updating school safeguarding policy.
Training
Staff are regularly trained in safeguarding and it is part of our new staff induction. We find out about updates and training through the Local Authority DSL network and online services.
We keep staff up to date through staff meetings where safeguarding concerns relevant to whole school are discussed (we are always mindful not to overexpose children or families, regarding casework information is shared on a needs to know basis).
How are referrals made?
Child Protection and Safeguarding referrals are made by staff and sometimes pupils, parents or visitors to the DSL’s. Staff are trained in the referral process and this is part of new staff induction. Visitors are asked to read our safeguarding booklet and have a discussion with a DSL so they understand the procedures. We now use an online recording system called CPOMS. Staff are trained to avoid asking leading questions and to support pupils by explaining what will happen, not showing disbelief and taking factual information from the child. The school DSL’s may investigate further once a referral is made.
Will parents be informed?
If a child makes a disclosure our practise is to inform parents and carers as long as this would not put a child in danger or we are advised not to speak to parents by social care. Likewise, we will usually inform parents if a referral to social care has been made.
What if a child or an adult makes a disclosure about a member of staff?
If there is an allegation made against a member of staff then the DSL’s will seek advice from the LADO and Surrey Safeguarding Team on the appropriate action to take. We will inform parents and in some cases a staff member may be suspended or put on altered or supervised duties until an investigation is completed. Where criminal activity may have taken place the police will be contacted. All staff are made aware of the school whistleblowing policy which you can find on our school website under Key Documents-Policies.
How does school make sure that staff and visitors are safe to work with children?
We carry out criminal background checks on all staff and visitors who work in school. This information is managed and kept by our office team. Staff are also asked to disclose any activity that may make them by association ineligible to work with children. Staff are trained to understand that they are all responsible for safeguarding and must immediately report any practise they are concerned about. We ask staff to also take precautions such as avoiding being left in a room on their own with a pupil and not using personal mobile phones in school to video or take pictures of pupils. These are outlined in our Staff Code of Conduct , Internet Use and Safeguarding policies.
If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person you can contact the Surrey Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA).
The C-SPA provides residents and people who work with children in Surrey with direct information, advice and guidance about where and how to find the appropriate support for children and families.
Availability: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
- Phone: 0300 470 9100
- Out of hours phone: 01483 517898 to speak to our emergency duty team.
- Email: emails are dealt with during normal office hours
- For concerns for a child or young person: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - For concerns about an adult who is working or volunteering with children in Surrey.
If you have a concern regarding someone who works with children please contact the LADO on 0300 123 1650 or LADO@surreycc.gov.uk. Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Concerned about child exploitation? Are you worried about online sexual abuse or how someone has been communicating with your child online? Contact CEOP and make a report to one of their child protection advisors.
