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Safeguarding

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Cate Gregory, Head Teacher

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) is: Laura Watts (Deputy Headteacher)

Our Safeguarding Governor is Sarah Horsfall

Email our DSL at dsl@shirleyschools.co.uk

What is safeguarding?

Shirley Infant School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. All adults in our community work together to protect our children. It is our highest priority. 

Safeguarding means:

  • Protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
  • Preventing harm to children’s health or development
  • Ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
  • Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focusses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. 

Parents and carers work in partnership with the school, and we recognise that from time to time you may need support.

If you have any serious concerns about your child or any other pupil at Shirley Infant School, please do not hesitate to contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead who knows who to contact for the best advice and help.  They are experienced in using the appropriate degree of confidentiality.   You can also call the Southampton Local Authority confidential line on 023 8083 3004 or complete their online referral form.

If it is out of school hours and you are concerned about a child, you can contact Southampton Children's Services by phoning:  023 8083 3004

You can also contact the NSPCC Freephone Child Protection Helpline on:  080 8800 5000

We have a Safeguarding Policy and procedures in place at the school. Please follow the link below to our Policies page to read our current Safeguarding Policy.

Policies & Procedures

Shirley Infant School would like to assure parents that the senior leadership team reviews our policies and practices regularly and in conjunction with Hamwic Education Trust.

A new helpline to support potential victims of sexual harassment and abuse in education settings is available - 0800 136 663. 

The dedicated number, run by the NSPCC, provides both children and adults who are victims of sexual abuse with the appropriate support and advice. This includes how to contact the police and report crimes. The helpline will also provide support to parents.