Safeguarding and Child Protection

At Stalbridge Primary School, we are committed to safeguarding children.  Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Our Child Protection Policy is in draft form as the most current updates from Dorset Council reflect the September 2023 changes to keeping Children Safe in Education. 
 

Our Designated Lead for safeguarding is Mr Elledge. Our deputy safeguarding leaders are Mrs Padfield and Mrs Arnold.  All staff have annual safeguarding updates.

More information can be found on the Dorset website: Worried about a child - Dorset Council

Private Fostering 

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a close relative. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer, expected to last 28 days or more.  Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage/affinity).

Why is it important?

The law requires parents, prospective private foster carers and anyone involved in arranging for a child to be privately fostered to notify Dorset Council of the arrangement. However, many private foster carers (prospective and actual) parents and those working with children and families are not aware of the notification requirements. 

Early Help

As a school we work in close partnership with the Family Partnership Zone, North Dorset Hub. This team can provide advice, support and deliver workshops that offer strategies for many aspects of parenting. There are Parenting groups that also run in the local area. Please speak to Mr Elledge if you would like help or advice.

Get help for your family - Dorset Council

If you are concerned about a child, you should speak to a member of staff promptly.

You can also contact the families information line on 01305 228866, report and seek advice.

Information for Parents

There are lots of questions you might have about safeguarding and the school. Please read the leaflet and speak to the Designated lead for Safeguarding for more information.

Dorset Police

For non-urgent reports, or to make an enquiry, please go to www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online where you can pass on the details of your concerns to us using the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101.
 

If you believe a child is in immediate danger please dial 999.

Crimestoppers: Call anonymously on 0800 555 111
Local Children’s Social Care:
STARS Dorset www.starsdorset.org/children-and-young-persons-service / 01202 308858
Dorset Council (Children’s Advice and Duty Service) 01305 228866
You can also report directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) www.ceop.police.uk
 
For more information visit: 
• Child Online Safety Advice: https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/crime-prevention-help-advice/cyber-crime/child-online-safety/ 
• Barnardos: http://www.barnardos.org.uk
• NSPCC 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk, www.nspcc.org.uk/childsexualexploitation 
• UK safer internet centre website: www.saferinternet.org.uk
• CEOP resources suitable for parents and children of different ages: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• Child Online Safety: www.internetmatters.org

Helping our children at school

We teach the children in school how to get the help they need. We have House Captains as playtime leaders and worry boxes too. The children have lessons using the Childline resources and NSPCC visitors.