Safeguarding

Safeguarding Statement – 2026

Introduction

This Safeguarding Statement has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, and associated statutory guidance, including:

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026)
Guidance and procedures from the Cumberland Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP)

Because of our close day‑to‑day contact with children, education staff are well placed to identify concerns early and have a vital role in promoting children’s safety and wellbeing, reducing risk, and responding appropriately to indicators of abuse or neglect.

The Governing Body and staff of Ashfield Junior School take seriously their responsibility under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. We work proactively with other agencies to ensure effective arrangements are in place to identify, assess and support children who may be at risk of harm.

Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children means:

Providing help and support to children as soon as problems emerge
Protecting children from maltreatment, including online abuse
Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development
Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care
Taking action to enable all children to have the best possible outcomes

Our Ethos

Ashfield Junior School is committed to providing a safe, caring and inclusive environment where children feel valued, respected and listened to.

We:

Place children’s wellbeing at the centre of everything we do
Promote safeguarding and healthy relationships through the curriculum
Provide clear reporting procedures and access to trusted adults
Foster a culture of openness, vigilance and professional curiosity
Work in partnership with parents and carers
Ensure all staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates
Follow safe recruitment practices and maintain a robust Single Central Record
Respond promptly and appropriately to concerns about children or adults
Closely monitor vulnerable pupils, including those with SEND, carers, and looked‑after children
Maintain accurate, secure and confidential safeguarding records, shared appropriately with relevant professionals

Partnerships

We work closely with a range of partners to safeguard children, including:

Cumberland Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP)
Local Authority services
Police
Health professionals
Children’s Centres
Education Social Care Service

Training

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL(s): formal safeguarding training updated at least every two years
All staff and volunteers: safeguarding and child protection training at induction and at least annually
Regular safeguarding updates provided through staff meetings and briefings
Prevent awareness training completed by the DSL and relevant staff

Safe Recruitment

Ashfield Junior School follows Keeping Children Safe in Education (2026) and statutory safer recruitment guidance. At least one member of every recruitment panel has completed safer recruitment training.

Related Policies

This statement should be read alongside the following policies:

Child Protection Policy
Online Safety Policy
Behaviour Policy
Attendance Policy
SEND Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Recruitment and Vetting Policy
Data Protection Policy
Educational Visits Policy

Key Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Sandra Stainton
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Sue Frost
Safeguarding Governor: Sarah Layzell

Operation Encompass

Ashfield Junior School participates in Operation Encompass, ensuring timely, appropriate support for pupils who may be affected by domestic abuse incidents.

Review Cycle

This Safeguarding Statement is reviewed annually by the Governing Body.
Last review: 2026

https://cumberlandsafeguardingchildren.co.uk/report-concern-about-child

Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2025

Child Protection Policy

ASHFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL SAFEGUARDING TEAM

MRS STAINTON DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

MRS FROST DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

MR BISHOP TEACHER FOR LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN

MRS GIBSON SAFEGUARDING TEAM MEMBER

MRS BROWN ONLINE SAFETY LEAD

MRS LAYZELL SAFEGUARDING GOVERNOR