Safeguarding

Heather Avenue Infant School is committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted to our care.

Our school will support all children by:

Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment
Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness
Effectively tackling bullying and harassment

We recognise that some children may be the victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse alongside specific safeguarding concerns such as exploitation, domestic violence and online risks. Staff working with children are well placed to identify such abuse.

At our school in order to protect our children, we aim to:

Create an atmosphere where all our children feel secure, valued and listened to
Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse
Respond quickly, appropriately and effectively to cases of suspected abuse

If you have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact one of the following staff members as quickly as possible.

Lead DSL - Ms Stacey Coleman - Headteacher

Deputy DSL - Miss Ruth Lilley - Deputy Headteacher

Deputy DSL - Mrs Wendy Howes - Teacher

Deputy DSL - Mrs Leigh Muff - Parent Support Advisor

If you have concerns about a member of staff, please contact the Head Teacher or our Safeguarding Governor.

Safeguarding Governor - Mr John Hughes

Everyone working with our children, their parents and carers should be aware that their role is to:

Listen and note carefully any observations which could indicate abuse
Not to attempt to investigate once the initial concern is raised
Refer to the Designated Senior Lead (DSL) immediately
Remember disclosures of abuse or harm from children may be made at any time.

If anything worries you or concerns you, please report it straight away.

To contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead - Please contact office@heatheravenue.norfolk.sch.uk or call 01603 426438

Chair of Governors – Sarah Smith – ssmith3vry@nsix.org.uk