Safeguarding
Safeguarding at Woodsetton School
At Woodsetton School, the safety, happiness and wellbeing of every pupil are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a caring, inclusive and secure environment where children feel safe, valued and supported to learn, develop and thrive. We believe that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and we work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that every child receives the support they need.
Our Safeguarding Commitment:
Creating a Safe Environment
We work hard to ensure that our school is a safe and welcoming place for all pupils. Regular checks are carried out to make sure our buildings, grounds and equipment remain safe and suitable for learning.
Well-Trained and Caring Staff
All staff receive safeguarding training and are committed to protecting children from harm. They know how to recognise signs that a child may need support and how to respond appropriately to any concerns.
Listening to and Supporting Children
We encourage our pupils to share their thoughts, feelings and worries with trusted adults. Through our teaching and daily interactions, children learn how to stay safe, build positive relationships and understand their rights.
Working in Partnership with Families
We value the important role that parents and carers play in keeping children safe. We aim to build strong relationships based on trust, open communication and mutual respect, working together to support every child.
Clear Policies and Procedures
Our safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they reflect current guidance and best practice. These procedures help us respond quickly and effectively when concerns arise.
Working with Other Agencies
When needed, we work closely with professionals from health services, social care, the local authority and other agencies to ensure children and families receive the right support at the right time.
Respecting Privacy
We treat safeguarding concerns sensitively and confidentially. Information is only shared with those who need to know in order to keep children safe and in line with data protection requirements.
Always Striving to Improve
We regularly review our safeguarding practice to ensure it remains effective and continues to meet the needs of our pupils and families.
Our Promise
At Woodsetton School, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every pupil feels safe, respected and able to achieve their full potential. By working together with families and our wider community, we ensure that every pupil matters and every moment counts
Woodsetton Safeguarding Team:
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Mrs Allen is the member of staff who has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the school. The DSL is supported by a team of professionals who have all received specialist DSL safeguarding training. Together, they form the school's Safeguarding Team, ensuring that there is always a knowledgeable and experienced member of staff available to support pupils, families and staff with any safeguarding concerns.
Dudley Safeguarding People Partnership (DSPP) is responsible for making sure children, young people and adults are kept safe in the borough. DSPP work with relevant agencies to improve local safeguarding arrangements and hold each other to account in order to protect Dudley’s most vulnerable people.
The website brings together information for children, young people, adults and their families; and professionals and volunteers who work with them. If you need any additional information for support please access: dudleysafeguarding.org.uk
Safeguarding is about us working together to make sure that children, young people and adults are safe and protected, free from harm, abuse or neglect. Adults should also be free to make their own choices. If you are concerned about a child or young person please call the Dudley Safeguarding People Partnership on the telephone numbers below. If you are concerned about a child or young person:
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During office hours call the children's services service on 0300 555 0050 selecting option 4 (9:00am - 5:00pm Mon-Fri).
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Out of office hours contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 555 8574.
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In an emergency call 999.
If you contact Dudley Safeguarding, you will speak to a professional who will listen to your concerns. They may take a few details and might need to contact you again, but your concern will be dealt with quickly and appropriately. You do not need to provide your name or give contact details if you do not wish to do so. Anonymous calls will not be ignored. Alternatively you can contact the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000 or email them by visiting their website.

Operation Encompass Information for Parents and Carers
At our school, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that helps schools provide timely support to children who may have been affected by domestic abuse.
What is Operation Encompass?
Operation Encompass is a partnership between schools and the police. It ensures that, when police attend an incident of domestic abuse where a child is present, has seen or heard the incident, or may otherwise have been affected by it, the school is informed before the next school day.
This information helps us understand that a child may be experiencing difficulties and allows us to provide appropriate care, support and understanding when they arrive at school.
How does it help children?
We know that witnessing or being exposed to domestic abuse can be upsetting and can affect a child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour, concentration and ability to learn.
By receiving information quickly, we can:
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Offer additional emotional support to the child.
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Ensure staff are aware that the child may need extra understanding and care.
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Help the child feel safe and supported throughout the school day.
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Work with families and other agencies, where appropriate, to support the child's wellbeing.
Who receives the information?
The information is shared only with trained safeguarding staff within the school, known as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Deputy DSL. These staff members have received specialist training and handle all information sensitively and confidentially.
How is information stored?
Any information received through Operation Encompass is treated as confidential safeguarding information. Records are stored securely and managed in line with data protection legislation and safeguarding requirements.
Our commitment
By participating in Operation Encompass, we are helping to ensure that children who may have experienced distressing situations receive the understanding, support and care they need at the earliest opportunity. If you would like to find out more about Operation Encompass, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team.
Online Safety
Technology can be a fantastic tool for learning, communication, independence and fun. At Woodsetton School, we work with pupils and families to help children develop the skills they need to stay safe online.
Activities for Children
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https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/jessie-and-friends/ – Interactive stories and activities about staying safe online.
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https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/jack-changes-the-game/ – A story exploring online friendships and staying safe.
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Cyber Sprinters – Fun games and puzzles from the National Cyber Security Centre.
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LEGO Build & Talk – Activities to help families talk about online safety.
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Childline Under 12s – Advice, games and interactive activities.
Support for Parents and Carers
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Internet Matters SEND Hub – Online safety advice for families of children with additional needs.
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https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/find-the-fake-quiz/ – Learn about fake news and misinformation together.
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Thinkuknow Parents – Advice and practical activities for families.
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NSPCC Online Safety Hub – Guidance on gaming, social media and parental controls
Remember
✅ Talk regularly about what your child is doing online.
✅ Encourage them to tell a trusted adult if something worries them.
✅ Use parental controls and privacy settings where appropriate.
✅ Celebrate positive and safe online behaviour.
As a parent at Woodsetton School, you have free access to the National Online Safety resources hat staff and pupils’ access in school. Please contact the school office if you need any further information.