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Safeguarding Ethos
Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Signposts
Prevent Duty ​
​On-line Safety
Safeguarding Policies

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Our Safeguarding Team
Designated Safeguarding Lead - Christopher Luxford, Headteacher

                            Everyone has a duty to protect our children and safeguard them from harm.

Every member of the school staff team is committed to acting professionally and as a positive role model, which is formalised in our Staff Code of Conduct and acceptable use policy. However, we have specific members of staff who lead on safeguarding and child protection, closing the loop and forging the links in our Safeguarding Circle:

1. The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Headteacher, Mr Christopher Luxford, who leads on child protection systems, domestic violence, child sex exploitation and cyber safety. Contact: head@miltonabbot.devon.sch.uk or phone in confidence on: 01822 870273.
2. The Deputy Designated Lead is Mr Greg Walkerdine. We have two further trained members of the team, who work alongside children at critical times of the school day. They are: Mrs. Maria Jones and Mrs. Nicky Bird
3. Our Little Owls pre-school team, Mrs Clare Hurdwell,  are also trained to the appropriate standard. 
4. Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead Governor is Mrs Jane Byrne and can be contacted via the school office: admin@miltonabbot.devon.sch.uk

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Continuing Professional Development

All adults in the school complete termly safeguarding surveys online, coordinated by the Designated Safeguarding Lead. This survey ensures knowledge is fresh but also any misconceptions can be addressed and refreshed immediately. There is also annual refresher training in Child Protection and Safeguarding matters for all school staff.
    Every weekly staff meeting begins with a safeguarding discussion, whereby we communicate and share concerns as a team but also complete scenarios, testing what we would do in different situations. 
    Our strong team ethos is the string that binds our school net to identify and support any children vulnerable to the risk of harm. Teachers update a vulnerability heatmap for the pupils in their care, to identify and track any pupils or families requiring additional support or focus from the school and/or external agencies. We want to support our children at the earliest point of them needing us.

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Every Child Thriving and Growing a 'Magic Mind'!

Our support is child-centred and includes a team of Learning Support Assistants who have received play therapy training to help build social and emotional strength and resilience, as well as a quiet 'space' to talk and be heard. We continually review our timetabling to ensure we have the fullest consideration of every child's mental health, as well as promoting ten key daily activities to promote a healthy outlook, which we call 'Magic Minds'.
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​Our Safeguarding poster (see top) is displayed at key locations across the school building, especially in classrooms. Every classroom has a red safeguarding board, which children and parents know is a key information point and class teachers ensure are up to date.

Worried About a Child? Contact MASH

If you are concerned that a child or young person is being abused please email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk or call
Devon: 0345 1551071  |  Out of hours please: 0845 6000388  |  Emergencies: 999