SAFEGUARDING
Widden Primary School is committed to promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy applies to all staff, governors and those visiting the school. A copy of this policy can be found here.
If you or your child is ever concerned about their own well-being and safety or that of a friend, they should report their concerns to a member of the safeguarding team.
Safeguarding Team
| Designated Safeguarding Lead | Rachel Kittle rkittle@widdenprimary.co.uk |
| Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads |
Kirstin Couto Catherine Newbury Penny Marshall Hannah Thompson |
All staff employed by the school are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, other pre-employment checks and a full induction process. All staff at the school have completed training in the following: Child Protection, FGM Awareness, Prevent Strategy and Mental Health awareness. All staff at Widden also sign the Staff Code of Conduct and Acceptable IT user agreement.
Safeguarding at Widden School is supported by regular updates and training which are calendared throughout the school year. This is to ensure that all staff have relevant and appropriate working knowledge to allow them to support the young people in our care every day.
We are an Operation Encompass School.

What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Safeguarding encompasses the following:
| Child Protection | Staff Conduct |
| Safer Recruitment | School Environment |
| Mental Health Awareness | PSHE Curriculum |
| SEND & Inclusion | Attendance |
| Anti-bullying | Behaviour Management |
| Whistleblowing | Health & Safety / E-Safety |
| Transition Arrangements | Extended Services |
Offer of Early Help
At Widden School our priority is keeping children safe. Students who feel safe and supported are able to learn more effectively and achieve their potential. With this in mind as a school we are proactive in identifying and supporting students who would benefit from having additional support. As a school we are very aware that no single professional working with a family can have a complete picture of a child’s needs. The school works closely with our allocated Early Help Coordinator and other external agencies to identify children and families who would benefit from early help. We aim to develop strong relationships with our students and their families to ensure a positive programme of support for those students in need.
Our Early Help Coordinator is: Megan Mcintyre Megan.Mcintyre@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Safeguarding During the School Holidays
If you are aware of any safeguarding issues during the school holidays please email safeguarding@widdenprimary.co.uk and add 'Safeguarding Concern' into the subject area. Any email sent marked for safeguarding will be responded to within 24 hours.
I am an adult and I'm concerned about a child.
If you are concerned about anything you witness in school, or the treatment of a child outside of school, you can do one of these things:
- Report it to the school’s Safeguarding Team
- Mrs Kittle, Mrs Couto, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Marshall or Miss Newbury by phoning the school on 01452 520571
- Contact the Children and Families Services Helpdesk
- 01452 426565 during office hours
- If you prefer, you can send an email to childrenshelpdesk@gloucestershire.gov.uk
The Children and Families Services Helpdesk is open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
I don't feel safe at home.
We will be able to help.
Report it to the school’s Safeguarding Team
- Mrs Kittle, Mrs Couto, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Marshall or Miss Newbury by phoning the school on 01452 520571
Support for children:
Child Line https://www.childline.org.uk/
Be Well Gloucestershire:
There is a wide range of mental health and wellbeing support available for children, young people and families in the county as well as nationally. https://www.bewellglos.org.uk/category/children-young-people-and-families/
GDASS:
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service - is a county wide service designed to reduce the levels of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families
Support for adults:
English National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
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I am concerned about an adult outside of school.
If you are concerned about the safety or well-being of an adult (where children are not involved), you can do one of these things:
If you or someone you know needs help in a mental health crisis, you can contact the Gloucestershire Crisis Teams or call 0800 169 0398. If there is an immediate danger to life, please dial 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
Safeguarding Adults in Gloucestershire - https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gsab/
If you suspect someone is at risk, phone Safeguarding adults in Gloucestershire on 01452 426868 or email




