At Brightwalton C.E. Primary School, safeguarding remains our highest priority. We are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. In alignment with the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024, Children and Families Act 2014, Equality Act 2010, Education Act 2002, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, we ensure that every child is protected from harm and supported in their development.

Safeguarding Responsibilities
We strictly follow the updated definition of safeguarding as outlined in KCSIE 2024, which includes:

• Protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Preventing impairment of their health and development.
• Ensuring that children grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
• Taking prompt action to ensure the best outcomes for every child.

Our commitment extends to all staff, governors, and volunteers, who undergo thorough vetting and enhanced DBS checks to uphold the highest safeguarding standards. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Mrs Sara Slade, alongside Deputy DSL Mrs Carla Harding, ensures safeguarding practices are followed, with all concerns tracked and managed via CPOMS.

Key Updates in Safeguarding
With the 2024 update to KCSIE, safeguarding now includes heightened focus on:

• Exploitation as part of abuse and neglect definitions.
• Addressing domestic abuse as a critical safeguarding issue.

Collaboration with Professional Partners
We actively collaborate with external safeguarding partners, as emphasised in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023. This ensures a multi-agency approach when addressing concerns, enabling coordinated, timely responses from social services, local safeguarding teams, and healthcare professionals.

Reasonable Adjustments and Inclusivity
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure all children, including those with disabilities or additional needs, have equitable access to education. Our adjustments include:

• Modifications to the physical environment.
• Tailored support plans for individual needs.
• Differentiated teaching strategies and materials.
• Ongoing staff training to support pupils with specific needs.

Policies and Expectations
Our safeguarding policy (attached) outlines how we comply with the Education Act 2002 in creating a secure learning environment, and the Children and Families Act 2014 in ensuring proper support for children with SEND. The school environment is designed to foster safety, respect, and inclusivity for all.

For concerns about a child’s welfare, contact West Berkshire Council’s Children and Families Social Care Services on 01635 503 090 or via email at child@westberks.gov.uk. For emergencies, always call 999.

At Brightwalton School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to ensuring every child is safe, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed.

School staff only

Please click the link below and log in to record an incident.

CPOMS