Safeguarding
At Chipping Sodbury School safeguarding is our number one priority and all staff play a significant part in safeguarding our young people. We have a highly qualified and experienced team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads led by our Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Headteacher, Jennifer Howe. The team work closely with a number of external agencies to support students with a range of issues including anxiety, Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), mental health, self harm, loss and bereavement, health and hygiene, substance misuse and online safety.
The school expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment to keeping children and young people safe. All post holders and regular volunteers are subject to employment and an enhanced check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Here are some wonderful quotes taken from our most recent Ofsted reports in June 2018 and November 2022.
"Pupils are safe in the school and staff take good care of their physical and emotional wellbeing."
"There is a culture where risks are assessed so that pupils are safe and secure. All the necessary checks on staff are completed thoroughly. The designated safeguarding leads are vigilant in their oversight of any child protection issues."
"Records of any safeguarding issues are of high quality and detailed."
"Chipping Sodbury is a nurturing and inclusive school. There are strong relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils enjoy school and feel safe. Parents agree that staff will go the 'extra mile' for pupils."
"Leaders quickly identify pupils who need additional help or support. They work effectively with external agencies when required. This secures the help that pupils need."
"There are robust processes in place for the safe recruitment of staff."
"Leaders ensure that all staff and governors receive appropriate safeguarding training. As a result, staff are confident in how to report any concerns."
"Through the curriculum, pupils receive clear guidance about how to keep themselves safe. This includes online safety. They know where they can go for further support. There are appropriate school-wide policies in place to recognise and tackle any harmful sexual behaviours."
All policies relating to safeguarding can be found here.
How to raise a safeguarding concern
If you have a safeguarding concern please email the Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@chippingsodburyschool.com or speak to a member of the Senior Leadership Team or Pastoral Progress Leads.
Alternatively you can contact the South Gloucestershire Access and Response Team:
- 01454 866000 (Monday to Thursday 9.00 – 5.00 and Friday 9:00 - 4.30)
- 01454 615165 (out of hours and weekends)
- accessandresponse@southglos.gov.uk
If there is an immediate, significant child protection matter please phone 999.