West Monkton C of E School (including Little Herons Nursery) recognises that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult helps all children, and especially those at risk of, or suffering from, abuse.

Therefore at West Monkton School we have:

• An ethos where children feel secure and encouraged to talk, and are listened to. This is evidenced everyday through school values.
• Established that pupils know there are adults in the school who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty.
• Included in the curriculum activities and opportunities for Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education which equip students with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse and which will help them develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life in Modern Britain.
• Ensured that wherever possible every effort will be made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies.

Our Safeguarding Policy is updated annually, and is available on the policies page of the school website.

The Safeguarding Team at WM

 West Monkton School takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously.

All staff and volunteers at the school receive annual child protection and safeguarding training and are aware of the processes to report concerns about children.

If any members of the school or local community have concerns about the welfare of a child, they can pass it onto the Safeguarding Team here at West Monkton School.

The team consists of key staff who work with the children and families. They are clearly identified at the Academy by their rainbow lanyards.

The interim Designated Safeguarding Lead is Ellie Barton, the Deputy Headteacher. She is responsible for receiving and acting upon concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children. In her absence, the individuals below can also be contacted for support:

• Mrs Helen Newstead (Headteacher, DDSL)
• Mrs. Abbie Paling (EYFS Phase Leader)
• Mrs. Paige Merrick (KS1 Phase Leader)
• Mrs Kirsty Samways (LKS2 Phase Leader)
• Ms. Nadia Connor (DSL/Nursery Manager)
• Ms. Adele Maxwell (Deputy DSL/Deputy Nursery Manager)
• Mrs. Louisa Blackmore (Trust Strategic Safeguarding Lead)
• The safeguarding governor is Catherine Lawrence. 

You can speak to the safeguarding team in person, phone the school and request a call back or email office@wm.oak.education with FAO Safeguarding Team in the title. 

If you are worried about a child or young person who could be in danger please contact

• Children’s Social Care on 0300 123 2224
• by email at childrens@somerset.gov.uk
• or the policy

You can contact the police directly by dialling 101 and they will discuss with Children’s Social Care what action should be taken. In an emergency always contact the police by dialling 999.

If you would like to speak to a social worker outside of office hours please phone the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0300 123 23 27

Mental Health Support Team

We are one of the schools in Somerset who are being supported by the Mental Health Support Team (MHST). MHST in Somerset is a collaboration between Somerset NHS Foundation Trust - CAMHS and Young Somerset. If you would like to find out more please speak to the Senior Mental Health Lead in school (SMHL), Ms Polly Skene. Please also see attached information sheet.