Safeguarding at Oakhurst Community Primary School

Safeguarding At Our School

Our Collective Commitment and Responsibility for Safeguarding Young People

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Every child at Oakhurst has the right to feel safe, heard and supported. In turn, this means that every adult has the responsibility to act.

'Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility'
(Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025) 

At Oakhurst Community Primary, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are committed to creating a safe and secure environment where children can learn and thrive. Our safeguarding policies are designed to protect every child and ensure that they feel safe in our school community.

All Oakhurst Community Primary School staff receive annual training to help them to recognise abuse and to promote the welfare of our children.

Meet the Team

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) are specifically trained to respond to concerns, support families and work closely with external agencies when needed.

They are available throughout the school day and are always ready to listen, offer guidance and take action where necessary.

If you have any concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the team as no concern is ever too small.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Contact Details
Name:	Mrs Lizzie Christopher
Telephone Number:	01793 734 754
Email Address:	head@oakhurst.swindon.sch.uk

Working in Partnership

We work closely with parents, staff, and external agencies to promote a culture of vigilance and support. Our dedicated Safeguarding Team team receives regular training to identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns. We encourage parents to communicate openly with us about any issues that may affect their child's well-being, as collaboration is key to effective safeguarding.

At times, we may need to share information, seek advice or work in partnership with other agencies if we are concerned about a child’s welfare. We believe it is always better to be transparent with all parties at these times and work together to achieve the best outcomes.

There may be times when you need extra help and support. If this is the case, please come and talk to us. There are many ways in which we can help.

Swindon Safeguarding Partnership

Worried About a Child?

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child, it is important that you act quickly.

You do not need to be certain; if something doesn't feel right, it is always better to share your concern.

What you should do:

• Speak to a member of our Safeguarding Team as soon as possible.
• Contact the school office and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - contact details above

Outside of school hours:

If your concern is urgent and the school is closed, please contact your local safeguarding team:

• Contact Swindon (01793) 464646
• Contact Swindon Emergency Duty Number (01793) 436699

You should call 999 in the event of an emergency.

All concerns are taken seriously and will be handled sensitively and in-line with our safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding in Action

Safeguarding at Oakhurst is more than policies; it is a lived, daily commitment. Every member of staff plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive environment where children feel secure, valued and heard.

What this looks like in school

• Daily vigilance by trained staff
• Regular safeguarding briefings
• Strong record-keeping and swift action
• Pupil voice systems ('trusted adults' )
• Curriculum coverage

Empowering Young People

It is important for children to feel safe.  Our day-to-day practices, our curriculum and through the use of specialist organisations such as the NSPCC, help empower our children by teaching them how to recognise abuse, stay safe on and offline and to use their voices to speak out.  Children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they have a worry - no matter how big or small. 

At Oakhurst, we have built a bespoke Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum that reflects the contemporary challenges and risks faced by the children we are teaching right now. This is reviewed and amended annually to be as relevant and effective as possible.

It comprises materials from both Jigsaw PSHE and Chameleon PDE. 

Quality Assurance and Pupil Voice

As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and continuous improvement, our school takes part in annual quality assurance visits conducted by Sarah Turner Consulting.

Sarah Turner Consulting

These external reviews provide an objective evaluation of our safeguarding culture and practice ensuring that our procedures remain robust and effective.

Each year, children complete safeguarding surveys designed to help us understand their feelings and perceptions about being safe in school and the wider community. This valuable pupil voice helps us to identify strengths and areas for development.

Following the surveys, we carry out follow-up work with pupils and staff to explore emerging themes or concerns. This enables us to respond proactively to current issues and barriers, strengthening our shared commitment to keeping every child safe, supported and heard.

Oakhurst Community Primary School Safeguarding Policy

The link below will take you to our policies page where you can find our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Policies

Support  for Families

NSPCC Guidance and Support

Below are some specific areas that may provide useful guidance, support or insight (clicking on the image in each instance will link you directly to the page):

 

  

  

   

Swindon-Based Help and Support

 

  

Parent and Carer Leaflets

• NSPCC - Handle with Care Guide - Keeping Baby Safe download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Handle with Care Guide - Keeping Baby Safe
• NSPCC - Home or Out Alone Guide download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Home or Out Alone Guide
• NSPCC - Look Say Sing Play Leaflet download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Look Say Sing Play Leaflet
• NSPCC - Navigating Puberty Booklet download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Navigating Puberty Booklet
• NSPCC - Positive Parenting Guide download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Positive Parenting Guide
• NSPCC - Uncomfortable Conversations Leaflet download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineNSPCC - Uncomfortable Conversations Leaflet

Additional Useful Links

 

 Barnardo's