Safeguarding at Mowden Infant and Junior School
At Mowden Infant and Junior School, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, caring and supportive environment where all children feel protected, valued and listened to.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We work closely with families and external agencies to ensure that pupils are kept safe and receive the right support when needed.
Our Safeguarding Policy details procedures we follow to ensure children are kept safe from harm. This can be found on the Policies page in About Us.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for overseeing safeguarding and child protection across the schools.
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Mr Alistair Johnson (Deputy Headteacher) – ajohnson@mowden.nalp.org.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:
- Mrs Lexi Wilkinson (Headteacher) – head@mowden.nalp.org.uk
- Mrs Lisa Bainbridge (Deputy Headteacher) – lbainbridge@mowden.nalp.org.uk
- Rachel Hughes (Mowden Extra Lead) – rhughes@mowden.nalp.org.uk
If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact the school office (01325380820) and ask to speak to the DSL or a Deputy DSL. Alternatively, use the email address provided. If the DSL is unavailable, a deputy will be accessible.
How to Report a Safeguarding Concern
If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child:
- Contact the school and ask to speak to the DSL or a Deputy DSL
- Concerns can be raised in person, by phone or by email
- All concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly
If your concern relates to a member of staff, please contact the Headteacher. If the concern relates to the Headteacher, please contact the CEO of Northern Arch Trust.
Keeping Children Safe
We keep children safe by:
- Having clear safeguarding policies and procedures in place
- Providing regular safeguarding training for all staff
- Listening carefully to pupils and taking their concerns seriously
- Working with families and external agencies where appropriate
- Teaching pupils how to stay safe and how to ask for help
Pupil Voice & Feeling Safe
We want all pupils to feel safe and confident to speak up.
Children are taught:
- Who they can talk to if they feel worried or unsafe
- That they will be listened to and supported
- How to keep themselves safe, including online
Pupils regularly share their views through class discussions, assemblies and pupil voice activities.
Safeguarding for Pupils Educated Off-Site
Where pupils attend alternative provision, have reduced timetables or are educated off-site for any reason, the school retains full responsibility for safeguarding. We:
- Carry out safeguarding checks on providers
- Maintain regular contact with pupils and families
- Monitor welfare and attendance closely
Online Safety
We teach pupils how to stay safe online and support parents to help keep children safe at home.
Helpful links for parents and pupils:
Safeguarding Policies
The following policies are available on our website:
- Safeguarding
- Behaviour and Recognition
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Attendance Policy
All safeguarding policies are reviewed in line with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Working with Parents & Carers
We believe safeguarding works best when schools and families work together. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school if they have any concerns about a child’s wellbeing or safety.
If you are concerned about a child outside of school hours
If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, please contact the police on 999.
You can also contact Darlington local authority’s children’s initial advice team (CIAT) using the number 01325 406222.
Out of Hours (Emergency): 01642 524552
