Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Child Protection

At Swing Gate Infant and Nursery School keeping children safe is at the heart of everything we do. One of our core school rules is to be safe, and this underpins daily life, learning, and relationships across the school.

We believe safeguarding is not just about responding to concerns, but about actively teaching children how to stay safe, helping them understand what feeling safe means, and giving them a voice. We regularly talk with pupils about their wellbeing and listen carefully to their views, using pupil voice to shape our approach and ensure children feel heard, valued, and protected.

Teaching Children How to Stay Safe

We teach safeguarding in an age-appropriate and supportive way, helping children to:

• Understand safe and unsafe situations

• Know who they can talk to if they are worried

• Develop confidence to speak up

• Learn how to keep themselves and others safe

Alongside statutory content, we carefully consider the local context and the real experiences of our pupils when planning safeguarding education. This ensures learning is relevant, meaningful, and effective.

For example:

• We carry out online safety surveys with parents and carers to help us understand how children are using technology at home, enabling us to tailor our online safety teaching to current risks and experiences

• We include safety education linked to our local environment, such as canal safety, railway and train safety, and castle safety

• We adapt lessons in response to emerging concerns or issues raised by pupils, families, or staff

By doing this, we ensure safeguarding education goes beyond ‘stranger danger’ and reflects the real world children are navigating.

If You Have a Safeguarding Concern

If you are worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing, please do not ignore it.

What to do:

• Contact the school as soon as possible and ask to speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

• If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.

• If your concern is about a child outside school hours or you feel it cannot wait, contact Hertfordshire Children’s Services directly on 0300 123 4043

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

Our trained safeguarding team is available to listen, advise, and take appropriate action.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Colette Marshall, Headteacher

• Deputy DSL(s): Carrie Hardwick, Lucy Sutton, Sally Oliver, Zandy Aayres

• Safeguarding Governor: Kylie Butcher

You can contact the safeguarding team via the school office on 01442 863913 or by emailing admin@swinggate.herts.sch.uk with the subject: Confidential, safeguarding

What Happens If a Concern Is Raised?

When a safeguarding concern is shared with school:

• We listen carefully and take all concerns seriously

• Information is recorded and handled confidentially

• Appropriate action is taken in line with safeguarding procedures

• We may seek advice from, or make referrals to, external agencies to ensure the child receives the right support

Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of the child.

Working in Partnership

Safeguarding works best when schools and families work together. We encourage parents and carers to:

• Share concerns early

• Keep communication open with school

• Seek advice if unsure - no concern is too small

If you need help or guidance, please contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead. We are here to support you and your child.

Safeguarding Beyond the School Gates

Safeguarding concerns don’t always happen in school. We encourage parents and carers to be aware of signs that may indicate a child is struggling and to seek support early. Please read on for more information on safeguarding outside of school.

Online Safety

Keeping children safe online is an essential part of safeguarding.

Children may be exposed to:

• Inappropriate content

• Online bullying

• Grooming or exploitation

• Pressure to share images or personal information

How parents/carers can help:

• Talk regularly with your child about what they do online

• Encourage open communication if something makes them uncomfortable

• Use parental controls and privacy settings

• Model safe and respectful online behaviour

Useful resources for parents/carers:

• NSPCC - Online safety advice for families

• Pantasaurus - Child-friendly resources to help younger children understand online safety

• Internet Matters - Practical guides and parental controls

• Childnet - Advice and resources for families

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. It can happen in any family and often remains hidden. At Swing Gate, we understand how difficult it can be to speak up, and we want families to know that you can trust us to listen, support, and help you access the right services.

Children can be affected by domestic abuse even if they are not directly harmed. Witnessing or living with abuse can have a significant and lasting impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and development.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is not only physical violence. It can include:

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Controlling or coercive behaviour

• Verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation

• Financial control

• Sexual abuse

• Isolation from friends, family, or support networks

Signs You May Be Experiencing Domestic Abuse

If you are unsure whether your relationship is abusive, the following signs may be indicators:

• You feel frightened, anxious, or like you are ‘walking on eggshells’

• Your partner controls who you see, where you go, or how you spend money

• You are regularly criticised, belittled, or blamed

• Your partner checks your phone, messages, or social media

• You feel isolated from friends or family

• You feel scared to disagree or say no

• You are threatened, intimidated, or made to feel worthless

Abuse is never your fault, and you are not alone.

How Domestic Abuse Can Affect Children

Children may not always talk about what they are experiencing, but signs can include:

• Anxiety, withdrawal, or low mood

• Changes in behaviour or sudden emotional outbursts

• Difficulty concentrating or a decline in school performance

• Sleep problems or nightmares

• Regression (e.g. clinginess, bedwetting)

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or tummy aches

Living with domestic abuse can impact a child’s sense of safety and security. Getting support can make a significant difference for both you and your child.

If You Are a Parent Experiencing Domestic Abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please know:

• You will be listened to and believed

• You do not need to have all the answers or know what to do next

• Support can be offered confidentially

• Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of you and your child

You can speak to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, Colette Marshall, at any time. We can:

• Offer a safe space to talk

• Provide emotional support

• Help you access specialist services

• Work with you sensitively to support your child in school

If You Are Worried About Another Family or Friend

You may notice signs that someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, such as:

• Frequent injuries or unexplained absences

• Sudden withdrawal from friends or activities

• Seeming fearful of their partner

• Changes in mood, confidence, or behaviour

• A partner who appears controlling or overly monitoring

If you are concerned:

• Encourage them to seek help when it is safe to do so

• Offer to listen without judgement

• Share concerns with a trusted professional, such as our school safeguarding team

• In an emergency, call 999

Getting Help and Support

Confidential advice and support is available:

• NSPCC - Support for parents and advice on keeping children safe

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 24-hour confidential support. Call 0808 808 8088

• Hertfordshire IDVA Service. Contact the helpline 24/7 for free on 0808 2000 247

• Watford Women’s Centre on 01923 816 229 or email general@watfordwomenscentre.org.uk

• Hertfordshire domestic abuse services (via Hertfordshire County Council)

You do not have to face this alone.

Our Commitment to You:

At Swing Gate, we are committed to:

• Creating a safe, trusting environment

• Supporting children affected by domestic abuse

• Working sensitively with parents and carers

• Acting in the best interests of the child at all times

If you have concerns, about yourself, your child, or another family, please talk to us. We are here to help.

Domestic abuse can affect children even if they are not directly harmed. Witnessing or living with abuse can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and development.

Signs a child may be affected include:

• Anxiety, withdrawal, or changes in behaviour

• Difficulty concentrating or sudden changes in school performance

• Sleep disturbances or regression

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or tummy aches

What to do if you are concerned:

• Talk to a trusted professional, such as the school’s safeguarding team

• Seek confidential advice and support from specialist services

• In an emergency, always call 999

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and by working together as a school community, we can ensure every child feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.