Safeguarding
Dorchester Middle School recognises that the welfare of the child is paramount and takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children and young people in its care.
Dorchester Middle School recognises it is the duty and responsibility of everyone in the school community to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. Everyone at Dorchester Middle School understands they have a personal responsibility to notice when a child or young person may be at risk of harm and to pass on their concerns to the Safeguarding Team who can work with other agencies to protect them.
Safeguarding children and young people means protecting them from abuse or neglect. It also means working with other agencies to support families and creating an environment in school where children and young people feel safe and healthy.
Whilst we may, on occasion, need to make referrals to Children’s Social Care without consultation with parents, we will make every effort to maintain a positive working relationship with them whilst fulfilling our duties to protect children.
Children will be given an explanation, appropriate to their age and understanding of what action is being taken on their behalf and why.
The Safeguarding Team at Dorchester Middle School:
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is:
Miss Georgina Clements
Email: safeguarding@dmsschool.co.uk
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are:
(L3 Child Protection trained staff)
Ms Caroline Pluck
Email: safeguarding@dmsschool.co.uk
Mrs Fiona Ray
Email: safeguarding@dmsschool.co.uk
Mr Rob Murray
Email: safeguarding@dmsschool.co.uk
Mr Lee Watts
Email: safeguarding@dmsschool.co.uk
Safeguarding Governor
Ms Zoe Jarvis
Email: zjarvis@dmsschool.co.uk
Links for parents and carers to support them to keep children and young people safe online:
Information Link for parents and carers about Domestic Abuse:
https://www.dorset.police.uk/support-and-guidance/abuse-exploitation-neglect/domestic-abuse/
How to report a Safety Concern about a Child:
Anyone can report any concerns they have about the safety of a child or young person to the single point of contact in Dorset. The Dorset Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) has been renamed to the “Child Advice and Duty Service”.
Telephone:
01202 228866
Email:
childrensadviceanddutyservice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Website:
https://www.multiagencysafeguardinghub.com/dorset-mash/
If you believe a child is in immediate danger then please call 999.
Safeguarding Opportunities:
There have been lots of opportunities for pupils to participate in safeguarding awareness activities throughout the year. Here is a summary to date.