Peppard Church of England Primary SchoolSafeguarding Statement
Safeguarding at Peppard Church of England Primary School
At Peppard Church of England Primary School, the safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child is our highest priority. All governors and staff share the responsibility to safeguard children and promote their welfare, in line with statutory guidance from Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, the Children Act 1989/2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.
We strive to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children and adults feel secure, able to speak up, and confident that they will be listened to. Our approach is guided by the principle “it could happen here”, ensuring that we remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding all pupils.
Our school community is inspired by the words “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This ethos, alongside our values of compassion, humility, thankfulness, courage, forgiveness, and perseverance, underpins all interactions and learning. Relationships across the school are warm and trusting, and children’s progress, mental health, and wellbeing are equally prioritised. Staff equip pupils with strong personal skills and resilience, and parents recognise the support provided, particularly for children needing additional help.
There are occasions when concerns about a child require consultation with other agencies. While we aim to work in partnership with parents wherever possible, there are rare circumstances where action may be taken without parental consent to protect a child. Other agencies, such as the police through Operation Encompass, may also contact us to share information relevant to a child’s safety. In exceptional cases, Social Care may, during an investigation under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989, speak to a child without their parents’ knowledge—always in collaboration with partner agencies and only when immediate risk is present.
Designated Safeguarding Contacts:
- DSL: Kirsty Wakefield – head@peppardprimary.co.uk
- Deputy DSL’s: Becky Claridge and Kia Lawrence – DDSL@peppardprimary.co.uk
- Safeguarding Governor: Hannah Rancombe – safeguardinggov@peppardprimary.co.uk
All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training at induction and regular refresher sessions, following national guidance.
If you are concerned that a child is at risk of harm or abuse, please contact the MASH team on 0345 050 7666, call 999 in an emergency, or report non-urgent concerns via 101 or online. For further information, please see the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board or the school’s safeguarding policies available on our website.
At Peppard, we are committed to maintaining the highest safeguarding standards so that every child can learn, play, and grow in a secure, nurturing, and supportive environment.