Safeguarding Statement                                                At High Wycombe C of E School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and listened to.

Our Commitment                                                                        We believe all children have the right to be protected from harm and should be able to learn and thrive in a safe environment. We listen to our pupils and take their views seriously. We work in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies to support every child’s safety, well-being, and achievement.

Statutory Responsibilities                                                            We follow statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and our procedures are in line with the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

• We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and two Deputy DSLs, all of whom are members of the senior leadership team and have undertaken appropriate, up-to-date training for their roles.

• All staff, governors, and regular volunteers receive regular safeguarding and child protection training and updates.

• Our recruitment processes include stringent checks on the suitability of staff and volunteers, including enhanced DBS checks, as required by law.

• We have a robust Child Protection Policy, which is reviewed annually and available to read on our school website.

Working with Other Agencies                                                      Sometimes, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We always aim to discuss concerns with parents/carers first, unless doing so would put a child at greater risk or compromise a police investigation.

In rare cases, Social Care may need to speak to a child without parental knowledge, in line with statutory guidance. This will only occur if there is an immediate risk to the child or if seeking consent would increase risk or jeopardise evidence.

How to Raise a Concern                                                              If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, please contact a member of our safeguarding team. Our safeguarding policy outlines the steps we take to protect children and is available on our website.

School Safeguarding Contacts:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs C Hawkins             

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Miss K Johns (Maternity Leave)

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs A Margerison

• Acting Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (ADDSL): Mr R Smith                                                           

• Nominated Governor for Safeguarding: Mrs H Robertshaw

• Chair of Governors: Mrs H Robertshaw                     

• Contact:                                                                                  High Wycombe C of E School, Loakes Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2JU  01494 524220                                                            office@highwycomecombined.bucks.sch.uk