At Churcham Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued and protected. Our culture is one of vigilance, professional curiosity and early intervention. All staff understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We create a caring, safe and positive environment where children know they will be listened to, taken seriously and supported. Staff build strong relationships with pupils so that concerns can be identified early and acted upon swiftly.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Miss Esther Deackes
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs):
Mr Mark Davies
Mrs Rebecca Dodd
Miss Richelle Daniels (SENDCo)
Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the DSL or, if unavailable, to one of the DDSLs.
We follow the statutory guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (2026) and work closely with the three safeguarding partners. Our safeguarding practice includes:
Regular staff training and updates, including online safety, Prevent, child-on-child abuse, low-level concerns and safer working practice.
Clear reporting procedures so staff know exactly how to raise concerns.
Robust safer recruitment processes, ensuring all adults working with children are suitable and appropriately vetted.
Effective filtering and monitoring systems to keep children safe online and support staff in understanding their responsibilities.
Strong pastoral support and early help, ensuring emerging needs are identified and acted upon quickly.
Consistent record‑keeping, using secure systems to monitor concerns, patterns and actions taken.
Close partnership with parents, external agencies and professionals to safeguard children effectively.
We take all forms of child-on-child abuse seriously, including bullying, online harm, sexual harassment and physical harm. Staff are trained to recognise early signs, respond appropriately and support children with sensitivity and care.
Online safety is taught throughout the curriculum and embedded in daily practice. Children learn how to stay safe online, make responsible choices and seek help when needed. Our filtering and monitoring systems meet the expectations set out in KCSIE 2026.
We work proactively to identify children and families who may benefit from early help. Our Early Help offer supports children’s emotional wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and family circumstances. You can view our Early Help offer below.
Our safeguarding policies provide detailed information about our procedures, expectations and statutory responsibilities. Please see the following policies on our policies page:
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Online Safety Policy
Behaviour & Relationships Policy
Early Help Offer
Safer Recruitment Policy
Low-Level Concerns Policy
If you are worried about a child, please contact the DSL or one of the DDSLs immediately. Safeguarding concerns can also be reported directly to Gloucestershire Children’s Services.