Safeguarding
At Downlands Community School, we are committed to safeguarding children.
Safeguarding is seen as something that is the responsibility of everyone in school: staff, Governors, volunteers, visitors and also includes the children.
On this page, you will find information about safeguarding in our school as well as useful information and websites for parents.
To find out more information from the Dorset Safeguarding Children Board (DSCB) regarding internet safety please click Pan Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership .
If you’re concerned that a child or young person is at immediate risk of significant harm, and you believe it requires urgent action, call the police on 999.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Christine Goodall (Assistant Headteacher).
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are James Rielly (Headteacher), Jodie Loveless (EYFS Lead), Marcelle Hoare (KS1 Lead), Alice Whitlock (KS2 Lead).
The school Child Protection Policy is in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Please see the link below for Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Downlands Community School also has Mrs Waters, an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) who can help children understand and manage their emotions, cope with transitions, strengthen friendships and develop social skills.
Links to support parents and carers in safeguarding children:
Anti-Bullying Alliance – A coalition of organisations and individuals who are united against bullying.
Beat Eating Disorders – The UK’s eating disorder charity.
Bullying – BullyingUK Family Lives is a charity with over three decades of experience helping parents to deal with the changes that are a constant part of family life.
CAMHS – Child and Adult Mental Health Services, providing support to children and young people who are coping with significant mental health difficulties.
CEOP Are you worried about online abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? Make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors.
Childline – A free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, Childline is here for you online, on the phone, anytime.
Every mind matters – NHS advice for supporting mental health.
Frank – Honest information about drugs.
KCSIE – Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Kooth – XenZone is a provider of online mental health services for children, young people and adults. Kooth, from XenZone, is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.
Mosaic – Supporting bereaved children.
North Dorset Locality (Blandford Children’s Centre) – Useful information for families in Dorset.
NSPCC – Every childhood is worth fighting for. Everything the NSPCC does protects children today and prevents abuse tomorrow, to transform society for every childhood.
It is a requirement of KCSIE that all parents, carers and schools are aware of what a private fostering arrangement is. Please see the document below:
Safer Schools and Communities Team – The SSCT is a partnership between Dorset Police, The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service with a remit to prevent/reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and wrong-doing amongst children and young people and help keep them safe in a digital world.
Thinkuknow – A free education programme from NCA-CEOP: a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.
Young Minds – Fighting for young people’s mental health.
