My name is Ben Burpitt and I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead at North Mead Primary Academy.
My role is to ensure the welfare and safety of all children who attend North Mead Primary Academy. We believe that pupils have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse; where staff are vigilant for signs of any pupil in distress and are confident about applying our safeguarding processes to avert and alleviate any such problems. Through regular training, all staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard pupils from all forms of abuse.
Sometimes, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other professionals when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare. If a member of staff is concerned about a child’s welfare, they will record their concern, and any observations or conversations, and report to one of the DSLs as soon as possible.
If you are ever concerned about the safety or well‐being of someone at our academy, please talk to myself or one of my Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads immediately.
Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. Whilst you are visiting North Mead Primary Academy, if you are worried that a child or young person is being abused or neglected you MUST report your concerns. If you overhear or see anything that concerns you, please ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team.
The school ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.
The school has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances, the school will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by Children’s Social Care or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the child.
North Mead Primary Academy outside of school hours, please call Social Care on 0116 4541004 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. Concerns can also be sent to school via our email address [email protected] This email will be sent to all safeguarding leads at the school and will be monitored throughout the year.