What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their health or development, ensuring they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best possible future.

Whitecross Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and development of all children. We will always put their well-being first.  In order to fulfil this responsibility, we have a child-centred approach, considering the best interests of the children at all times. 

All staff at Whitecross attend regular safeguarding training. We work in line with policies and procedures that follow relevant new legislation or initiatives that maintain a focus upon the safety and well-being of all children.

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection policy can be viewed on our website under ‘policies’ or a paper copy is available at the school.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business. We expect all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share our commitment.

Designated Safeguarding Leads at Whitecross

The Designated Safeguarding leads at Whitecross take overall responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection. They provide support to staff members to carry out their safeguarding duties and liaise with other relevant agencies where required.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Claire FitzPatrick, Headteacher, 

email at dsl@whitecross.derby.sch.uk

or telephone during school hours: 01332 371876

 

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Verity Noblet,

Lead Nursery Teacher, Tel in school hours: 01332 371876

or email vnoblet@whitecross.derby.sch.uk

 

Designated Safeguarding Governor: Emma Nichols 

Telephone in school hours: 01332 371876

Please use the following email address to contact the school regarding safeguarding issues at any time, including weekends and school holidays: dsl@whitecross.derby.sch.uk one of the safeguarding leads will receive it.

What to do if you have concerns about a child?

At Whitecross Nursery School

If you’re worried that a child or young person is at risk or is being abused, please record your concerns and report them to one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL's) as soon as possible.

If your concerns relate to a member of staff, then you should refer this to one of the DSL's in confidence, who will refer the matter to the Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher) who will consider what action to take.

Social Care

You may want to discuss your concerns with a Social Care worker. The First Contact Team deals with all concerns about 'Children' and 'Young Persons' across Derby city. Between 9-5pm, Monday to Friday, the number to call is 01332 64117. Outside these hours, concerns can be discussed with Careline on 01332 786968.

You will be asked for your details, but you can choose not to share these.

Police
 

 

More information on domestic abuse can be found on the Refuge website.

Links to:

• WX Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy September 2023
• ‘Keeping Children Safe In Education’ (September 2023)
• ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (July 2023)