At Lawley Village Academy, the safety, wellbeing and welfare of every child is our highest priority. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do and is embedded throughout school life. We believe that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and all staff, governors, volunteers, visitors, parents and carers play an important role in keeping children safe.

We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel valued, listened to and supported. We work closely with families and external agencies to ensure that children receive the help they need at the earliest opportunity.

Designated Safeguarding Team

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team immediately.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mrs Charlotte Hendrie
SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)

Miss Claire Freestone
Headteacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Becky Williams
Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Zoe Sharp
EYFS Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Reporting a Concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, you can contact:

Family Connect (Telford & Wrekin)

Telephone: 01952 385385

Family Connect Safeguarding Advisors are available:

• Monday to Friday
• 9:00am to 5:00pm
• Excluding bank holidays

Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team

Telephone: 01952 676500

Police

If you believe a criminal offence has been committed, contact:

West Mercia Police

• 101 (non-emergency)
• 0300 333 3000

In an emergency, always call 999.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Lawley Village Academy we:

• Promote a strong culture of safeguarding and child protection.
• Ensure all staff receive regular safeguarding training.
• Follow the statutory guidance outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Teach children how to stay safe, including online.
• Work in partnership with parents, carers and other agencies.
• Encourage pupils to speak to a trusted adult if they have any worries or concerns.
• Maintain robust procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.

Online Safety

Keeping children safe online is an important part of safeguarding. We teach pupils how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully through our curriculum and wider safeguarding work.

Parents and carers are encouraged to support children in developing safe online habits and to seek advice if they have concerns about online activity.

Useful Safeguarding Information and Support

• https://www.telfordsafeguardingpartnership.org.uk/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education
• NSPCC
• Thinkuknow
• Stop It Now!
• Parents Protect
• Lucy Faithfull Foundation
• Virtual Global Taskforce

Remember

If a child is at immediate risk of harm or in danger, call 999 immediately. Safeguarding concerns should never be ignored, and it is always better to report a concern than assume someone else will do so.