Safeguarding
St Alphege Church of England Schools are committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare and we expect all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment.
Everyone has a responsibility to act, without delay, to protect children by reporting anything that might suggest a child is being abused or neglected. It is our willingness to work safely and challenge inappropriate behaviours that underpins this commitment. We seek to work in partnership with families and other agencies to improve the outcomes for children who are vulnerable or in need.
‘Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.’ (DFE 2016)
‘This child centred approach is fundamental to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child. A child centred approach means keeping the child in focus when making decisions about their lives and working in partnership with them and their families.’ (DFE Working together to safeguarding Children 2018)
Safeguarding Policy - 2024-25 - Draft
Our Safeguarding Team
Our St Alphege Church of England Schools safeguarding team comprises of:
Mrs Samantha Lawson Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Infant and Nursery School (DSL)
Miss Alana Mulholland Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Junior School (DSL)
Mr. Sam Smith Executive Head Teacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Miss Laura Stanion SENDCo
Ms. Charlotte Taylor Vice Chair of Governors and Designated Safeguarding Governor.
Child Protection Policy - 2024-25 - Draft
Worried or concerned about a young person or child?
If you are worried that a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse, or you are worried that a child may be at risk of suffering harm please contact Mr Sam Smith at:
safeguarding@stalphege.solihull.sch.uk
Alternatively you can contact Solihull Safeguarding Children Board at Home – Solihull Safeguarding Children Partnership (safeguardingsolihull.org.uk) or phone 0121 788 4300.
For concerns outside office hours please call 0121 605 6060.
If it is an emergency, call 999.
Operation Encompass
If a child has been involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic incident, St Alphege Church of England Schools’ Key Adult will be informed through Operation Encompass to allow immediate early intervention. The key adult is for St Alphege Church of England Schools’ is Mr Sam Smith.
Useful links
Help and advice about domestic abuse:
Communities and Safety: View Here
West Midlands Police: View Here
National Helpline: View Here or ring 0808 2000 247
Victim Support: View Here or ring 0808 1689 111
Help and advice from NSPCC:
NSPCC: View Here
Help and advice regarding online safety:
National Online Safety: View Here
Parent Info: View Here
Safer Internet: View Here
Childnet: View Here
Internet Matter: View Here
Useful documents
Keeping children safe in education (2022):
Keep Children Safe in education: View Here
Working together to safeguarding children (2018):
Working together to safeguard Children: View Here
Information sharing (2018):
Information Sharing Advice: View Here
