Safeguarding and Child Protection
Whitchurch Primary School and Nursery recognise the moral and statutory responsibility placed on all staff to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment in which children can learn, underpinned by a culture of openness where both children and adults feel secure, are able to raise concerns and believe they are being listened to, and that appropriate action will be taken to keep them safe.
We are fully committed to meeting our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in our care. We recognise the important part we have to play in identifying children and young people at risk of abuse and neglect and in securing appropriate support for them and their families.
Child Protection
If a child discloses something which has made them feel unsafe, we listen, note it down and pass the information on to Childrens' Services to ask for their assessment and instructions on the next steps. Sometimes this can mean an uncomfortable conversation with families however all staff are committed to listening to the child and responding to what they say. We make no apologies for listening to your child to ensure they feel safe. We will work with families to address and resolve any concerns as ultimately the best place for a child is within a safe family unit.
What if you have a concern?
If you have a concern about the safety and/or welfare of a child in school, never delay...speak to us straight away. Your child's class teacher or year team leader are key starting people. If you feel it is more serious then please contact Martin Thompson-Lawrie: deputy@whitchurchps.co.uk
If your concerns were regarding a child outside of school, you can make an anonymous referral directly to Children's Services by calling:
Golden Number for Harrow Children's Services: 020 8901 2690
You can also get advice and guidance from Childline and NSPCC:
Designated Safeguarding Staff at Whitchurch
Designated Senior Person (DSL): Mr Martin Thompson-Lawrie
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Ms Rachel Inniss
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs Debbie Qudsiyeh
Deputy Designated Senior Person (DDSL): Miss Nicola Ward
Deputy Designated Senior Person (DDSL): Miss Rachelle Francis-Dottin
Deputy Designated Senior Person (DDSL): Mrs Kat Portou
Deputy Designated Senior Person (DDSL): Miss Andri Chrysostomou
Deputy Designated Senior Person (DDSL): Mrs Nisha Chikhlia
Link Governor for Safeguarding: Mr Vinay Patel