Safeguarding Statement

At Pitcheroak, safeguarding is given the utmost priority. We recognise the challenges that can be faced in keeping children safe and particularly the pupils that attend our school who may be especially vulnerable due to their special educational needs and disabilities.

As part of the school’s commitment to safeguarding, rigorous Safer Recruitment procedures are adhered to in order to deter, reject or identify people who seek contact with children with the intention of abusing them.

We see safeguarding as a shared role, working alongside parents/carers. We acknowledge the wide and varied aspects of safeguarding and aim to make available, relevant and up to date information to equip staff, parents/carers and pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond appropriately and ensure pupils stay safe.

Pitcheroak School is part of the national project, Operation Encompass, which is run locally in partnership with Worcestershire Children First and West Mercia Police. Operation Encompass is a process whereby the police and county council inform a member of school staff, prior to the start of the next school day, where a child or young person has experienced a domestic incident. This sharing of information between professional agencies allows school staff to provide emotional and practical support to their pupils as necessary. For further information please speak to the Headteacher or Designated Safeguarding Lead.

If you have an immediate Child Protection concern please call 999.

If you are concerned about a child or would like advice about safeguarding, please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads:

Jo Hooper

Deputy Designated Safeguading Lead

Sheila Holden

Deputy Designated Safeguading Lead

Trish Baker

Designated Safeguading Lead

Holly Townsend

Deputy Designated Safeguading Lead

If you are unable to speak to a DSL or remain concerned, please contact your local authority’s safeguarding team.

Worcestershire Family Front Door

Working Hours Telephone – 01905 822 666

Out of Hours Telephone – 01905 768020

Solihull Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub(MASH)

Working Hours Telephone – 0121 788 4333

Out of Hours Telephone – 0121 605 5050

Birmingham Children’s Advice and Support Service (CASS)

Telephone – 0121 303 1888

Out of Hours Telephone – 0121 675 4806

If you have a concern for your own or another child’s safety call the NSPCC helpline for support and advice on

0808 800 5000