Safeguarding
The safety of all our children is paramount – it is the most important thing to us.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.
| Name and position | Contact |
| Designated Safeguarding Leads · Sue Jepson (DSL) . Jade Huxley · Clare Richards · Heather Smith | sjepson@barnes.richmond.sch.uk jhuxley@barnes.richmond.sch.uk |
| Designated governors for safeguarding · Alexandra Redpath | |
| E-Safety Lead · Francesca Derecourt | |
What is our approach to safeguarding?
Safeguarding is our highest priority. The safety and wellbeing of every child is central to everything we do. At Barnes Primary School, all children are respected, valued and supported to feel safe and secure.
What do we want children to learn about staying safe?
We aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, confidence and lifelong skills they need to keep themselves safe and to understand their rights as children.
What does safeguarding include?
Safeguarding includes child protection, online safety, site security, health and safety, behaviour, anti bullying, radicalisation, racism and discrimination, peer on peer abuse and contextual safeguarding.
How are safeguarding concerns raised?
Concerns may be raised by members of the public, staff, parents and other professionals. Children are also encouraged to share concerns themselves through our Worry Box.
What should I do if I am concerned about a child?
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.
For advice, support or to report a concern, contact the Single Point of Access (SPA):
- 020 8547 5008 (advice and support)
- 020 8770 5000 (out of hours service)
What other organisations can support?
- NSPCC
Email: help@NSPCC.org.uk - Crimestoppers (anonymous reporting)
Phone: 0800 555 111
How do we work with other services to keep children safe?
Our safeguarding team works closely with external agencies, including the Emotional Health Service, Family Support, School Nursing Service and Child and Mental Health services.
We refer serious concerns to the Single Point of Access to ensure children and families receive appropriate support as quickly as possible.
Where can I find safeguarding policies and key information?
For further information, please refer to our key safeguarding policies and documents:
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- Positive Behaviour Policy
- Staff Code of Conduct and Safer Working Practices
- Healthcare, Medicines and First Aid Policy
- Private Fostering Statement
How do we explain safeguarding to pupils?
We have created a child friendly version of our safeguarding policy in partnership with the Pupil Council. This helps children understand what safeguarding means and how to keep themselves safe.
What is Operation Encompass?
Our school is part of Operation Encompass, a partnership between the police and schools which enables us to provide timely support to children who may have been affected by domestic abuse.
When the police attend an incident involving a child, the school is informed so that appropriate support can be provided the next day.
What is private fostering?
Information about private fostering and our responsibilities can be found in our Private Fostering Statement.
How do we ensure staff are trained in safeguarding?
All staff complete safeguarding training at the start of each academic year. Regular updates are provided throughout the year to ensure knowledge remains current.
All adults working at the school, including contractors and external providers, undergo appropriate recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance and verification of their right to work in the UK. Any adult working directly with children receives relevant safeguarding training.
What statutory guidance do staff follow?
We follow Keeping Children Safe in Education, the statutory safeguarding guidance for schools.
All staff are required to read Part 1, and Part 2 where appropriate, at the start of each academic year.
What recent safeguarding training have staff completed?
- Child protection
All staff receive annual training - First aid
All staff receive annual training - Safeguarding
All staff receive annual training and regular updates - Safer recruitment
Sue Jepson, Antonia Lord and Heather Smith
Where can I find useful safeguarding information and support?
- Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)
Guidance on staying safe online - Childline
Confidential support for children
Phone: 0800 1111 - NSPCC
Advice and support on safeguarding - Educate Against Hate
Information on extremism and radicalisation - E Safety guidance
Advice on safe use of technology - Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025
Statutory guidance for schools
Where can I get support for domestic abuse?
- Refuge
Provides practical, emotional and advocacy support
Advice includes safety, housing, benefits and child arrangements
Phone: 020 8943 8188
Useful safeguarding links
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) (safety online website)
Child Line: 0800-1111 (contact number for children)
CrimeStoppers: 0800 555 111
Educate Against Hate (extremism and radicalisation)
Keeping children safe in education 2025
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
You can contact us to request support, or to report a concern about a child or young person: 020 8547 5008
You can contact us to request support, or to report a concern about a child or young person: 020 8547 5008
Refuge (Domestic Abuse Support) IDVA and Outreach service for residents in the borough
020 8943 8188
Provides practical, emotional and advocacy support to male and female victims of domestic abuse. They offer expert guidance and support for victims going through civil and criminal courts and can provide advice on safety, housing, benefits and child contact arrangements.
