Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to looking after all children the best we possibly can. All members of staff at Windwhistle undergo full Safeguarding training and annual refreshers. Staff and contractors also complete full DBS safety checks before beginning work within the school.

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children's health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes

Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation applies to all children up to the age of 18. 

If you are visiting Windwhistle, please familiarise yourself with our visitors Safeguarding information leaflet below. Paper copies are obtainable via the main school office on arrival.

Windwhistle has an ELAN Safeguarding Policy that is in line with recommendations from North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSSCP) The policy is reviewed annually by governors and is a working document that reflects our practice. Parents/carers can request a paper copy from the office or find a copy on our policies page.

Any concerns about children’s welfare or wellbeing should be discussed with a member of the safeguarding team as soon as possible or email dsl@windwhistleschool.co.uk

If you have any concerns about the behaviour of someone working or volunteering with children, please contact the LADO - Local Authority Designated Officer for Allegations via the Referral and Assessment Team: 01934 888888.

Part of our responsibility in this area is to work with outside agencies such as Social Care, Childrens Centres, Health Services, the Police and Family Wellbeing Team to make sure all pupils are kept safe. This means that at times we are obliged to pass on concerns or information to these agencies. The school will always do this in consultation with parents except in circumstances where a child is at risk. To do this effectively we have one person in the school who co-ordinates this work, this person is known as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.  They are supported by a teacher in school who focuses on children who are looked after and is also monitored by the Chair of Governors.

At Windwhistle, we believe that parents and carers are vital in supporting their children's well being. Windwhistle offer support to families and children. Please see below 'who can help'