Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING IS OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Safeguarding is a shared duty across our Federation of schools, DNEAT, and the Local Governing Body. We receive regular training to help us identify and respond to concerns effectively. Safeguarding is monitored both internally and by external bodies, including Ofsted and the Local Authority.

The Local Governing Body has asked us to remind all parents, grandparents, carers, and wider members of our school communities of the part we all have to play in this. Ensuring the safety of our children is paramount. If you see or hear anything concerning, particularly if occurring within the local community, please report it either directly to your child’s school, to the Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CADS) on 0344 800 8020, or to Dereham Police on 01953 661919. All of these channels allow you to report concerns anonymously if you prefer. Please report any concern, no matter the size, as together these can build a picture that ensures a child is adequately protected and supported.

This week, for example, within the Federation, we have worked with our KS2 pupils to remind them of our schools’ policies and expectations around online behaviour. We talked about the potential impact of inappropriate messages sent through WhatsApp or social media that are unkind or targeted. The focus was on well-being of the parties involved but also the potential for this to be considered malicious communication, which can be considered a criminal offence for which there is police involvement.

We have also been made aware of school-related concerns being shared on social media and messaging platforms. We remind everyone that the correct way to raise concerns is directly through the relevant school office. Posting in public or private groups can breach our Federation policies, home-school agreements, and in some cases may result in legal consequences. We request all members of our wider community to report any such communications to the school, CADS, or the police.

We are all working together to ensure the safety of the children in our community and to create a respectful and supportive environment for teachers, parents, and pupils alike. We want to ensure our schools continue to deliver a top-class education, as highlighted by Ofsted in 2025, one that we are extremely proud of. We thank you for your support in this shared commitment.

Our Safeguarding Governor is Mrs Tinson, Chair of Governors.

Your Federation Designated Safeguarding Leads are: Mrs Marjoram (TB), Ms Wharton (Lyng), Mrs O’Sullivan, Mr Wade, Mrs Smith, and Mr Allott.

Safeguarding at The Nightingale Federation

The Nightingale Federation safeguarding policy provides clear direction to all school stakeholders about expected practice in dealing with safeguarding issues. It makes explicit the school’s commitment to the development of good practice and effective procedures, ensuring that safeguarding concerns and referrals are handled sensitively, professionally and in a way that supports and protects the needs of the child.

There are three main aims to our Safeguarding Policy:

Prevention: by creating a positive school atmosphere and providing high quality teaching and pastoral support to pupils;
Protection: by following agreed procedures and ensuring staff are appropriately recruited, trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to Safeguarding concerns;
Support: by providing support for pupils and school staff and for children who may have been or are being abused. All those working in education can contribute to the safeguarding and protection of the welfare of a child in need.

According to the DfE, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

protecting children from maltreatment;
preventing impairment of children’s health or development;
ensuring children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility at The Nightingale Federation. 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.

This policy applies to all who come into contact with children at The Nightingale Federation including:

Teachers
Teaching assistants
Administrative assistants
Students
Wrap Around Care assistants
Midday supervisors/Catering team
Caretaking and Cleaning team
Visitors/volunteers
Adult helpers
Governors

Safeguarding issues pertinent to our schools are currently linked to the effects of increased time online (knowing how to keep safe in this virtual environment), appropriate use of social and children’s mental health issues.

Safeguarding, Family Support and Wellbeing Resources/Services

NHS Just One Norfolk
Norfolk & Waveney – Mental Health Advice & Support for 0 -25’s (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk)
0300 3000123 or text 07520 631590
Or there is a contact form on the website

Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CADS)
Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CADS) Norfolk County Council | Norfolk Community Directory
0344 800 8020

NSPCC
NSPCC | The UK children’s charity | NSPCC 0808 800 5000 or 0800 1111 if you are under 18