Woodridge Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the physical, mental and emotional welfare of every pupil, both inside and outside of the school premises. We implement a whole-school preventative approach to managing safeguarding concerns, ensuring that the wellbeing of pupils is at the forefront of all action taken.

Our policy sets out a clear and consistent framework for delivering this promise, in line with safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. It will be achieved by:

• Ensuring that members of the governing body, the headteacher and staff understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, are alert to the signs of child abuse, and know to refer concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (see below).
• Teaching pupils how to keep safe and recognise behaviour that is unacceptable.
• Identifying and making provision for any pupil that has been subject to, or is at risk of, abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 
• Creating a culture of safer recruitment by adopting procedures that help deter, reject or identify people who might pose a risk to children.
• Ensuring that the headteacher and any new staff and volunteers are only appointed when all the appropriate checks have been satisfactorily completed.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Headteacher, Colin Dowland. In the absence of the DSL, child protection matters will be dealt with by the Deputy DSL, Deputy Headteacher, Laura Monro. Nicky Wheatcroft and Sasha Sperber are also Level 3 trained Safeguarding Officers.

The designated Safeguarding Governor is Chair of Governors, Louise Ross.