At Wittersham Church of England Primary School, the safety, welfare and well-being of every child are our highest priorities. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility that underpins every aspect of school life. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in which every child feels valued, listened to and able to flourish.

We actively follow the statutory guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (KCSIE 2026). We recognise that safeguarding concerns can arise in any setting and maintain an ‘it could happen here’ approach. All members of staff receive regular safeguarding training, read and understand Part One of KCSIE 2026 and know how to identify, record and report concerns promptly.

Safeguarding is led by Stella Coulson, Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). She is supported by an experienced team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:

• Lynsey Scott – Assistant Headteacher
• Carly Catt – SENCO
• Claire Sterriker-Rhodes – Family Liaison Officer

Our safeguarding team works closely to protect and promote children’s welfare. We maintain clear reporting procedures, use robust safer recruitment practices and regularly review our policies, training and safeguarding arrangements. We also work in partnership with families, governors and external agencies to ensure that concerns are responded to swiftly, sensitively and appropriately.

Children are taught how to keep themselves and others safe, including when using technology and accessing the online world. We listen carefully to children, take their concerns seriously and ensure they know which trusted adults they can speak to if they are worried or feel unsafe.

At Wittersham, safeguarding is not simply a responsibility – it is an active and vigilant culture. Every adult in our school has a duty to act in the best interests of children, challenge unsafe or inappropriate behaviour and report concerns without delay. Together, we help every child feel safe, secure, confident and ready to learn each day.

Safer Recruitment

Wittersham Church of England Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect every member of staff, every governor and every volunteer to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

Our safer recruitment procedures are rigorous and follow national guidance and Kent County Council policies. All appointments to the school are subject to:

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• A check against the Children’s Barred List
• Satisfactory references
• Verification of identity and the right to work in the UK
• Additional safeguarding checks where required

We also follow Kent County Council guidance regarding DBS requirements for volunteers who support learning and school activities. No volunteer is permitted to work unsupervised with children until all necessary checks have been completed.

Kent Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB)

We work in close partnership with the Kent Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB), which provides valuable guidance, training and resources for professionals, parents, carers and young people. Their support helps ensure that our safeguarding practice remains robust, current and fully aligned with local and national expectations.

For more information, please visit:
🔗 Kent Safeguarding Children Board – www.kscb.org.uk