Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We believe that all children have a right to be safe and should be protected from all forms of abuse and neglect.

Although reporting concerns can be uncomfortable for staff, and be unpleasant for families, as a school, we recognise that it is better to help children, young people and their families early, before issues escalate and become more damaging.

Because safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, all staff members are committed to recognising and reporting all concerns relating to child safety, wellbeing and in particular are vigilant to spot signs of abuse and maltreatment.

As such, we promise to:

• Be observant and alert to signs of abuse
• Be curious and question explanations given by parents / children / staff
• Be compassionate, honest and clear
• Ask for support when we feel at the limit of our experience / patience / skills
• Understand and follow school policies and procedures
• Work together with other agencies when appropriate to make sure that support for children, young people and families is effective and helps improve outcomes.

Every school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Deputy, these are the main points of contact for child protection cases.

At Thorpe Hall Primary School:

Designated Safeguarding Lead is Anri Ruthven

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is Danny Mock /Michele Moir/Susan Biggar

These members of staff are the main contacts in the event of a child protection concern and can be contacted via the school office.

If you think someone who works with children may pose a risk to them, please tell us immediately.

The school's Designated Safeguarding Manager is Prue Barnes-Kemp

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Manager is Lisa McIntyre

These officers can be contacted via the school office.

The Local Authority's Designated Officer (LADO) can be contacted on 0208 496 3646 or you can talk through your concerns by emailing lado@walthamforest.gov.uk