‘Wingfield Academy recognises it’s moral and statutory responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of our young people. We endeavour to provide an environment where everyone feels safe and is respected and valued. We will be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and will follow procedures rigorously to ensure effective support, protection and justice is offered to our students.’
At Wingfield Academy we fully embrace the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount and that it is the responsibility of all adults (including other commissioned or contracted staff) to safeguard our young people, ensuring that they receive the right help at the right time.
For this to happen, all of us take our role in identifying concerns early, sharing information and taking prompt, informed action very seriously.
Staff work with vigilance towards our shared objectives:
To provide a safe environment for young people to learn, minimise risks of harm and endeavour to keep them safe from abuse and injury.
How do we keep students safe?
- Having up to date and working policy documents
- Check the suitability of all our staff who work the students
- Encourage students to tell us if something is wrong
- Adhere to health and safety regulations
- Train all our staff how to recognise and respond to child welfare and safeguarding concerns
- Have a Designated Lead Officer (DSO) who leads the Safeguarding and Child Protection Team
- Work in partnership with parents and carers
- Share information with appropriate agencies
What to do if you are worried about a child
if you notice anything that concerns you, or a child has disclosed any information that worries you, talk to a member of the Safeguarding Team.
Worried About a Rotherham Child?
If you have safeguarding concerns or are worried about a Rotherham Child, please where possible complete the online referral form. This will be screened by Social Care. Referrals can be made by the public anonymously. Please type in on Google:- Worried About a Rotherham Child
If you are unable to do this, please use the Rotherham MASH contact number.
Rotherham MASH (Multi- Agency Support Hub)
Telephone: 01709 336080
Other Support Organisations
CAMHS Crisis Team
Telephone: 01709 304808
Samaritans
Freephone: 116123 (24 hours per day – call day or night)
MIND
Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (Open 9am to 6pm)
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Text: 86463
Age UK
Telephone: 0800 678 1602 (Open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year)
Adult Social Care Rotherham:
Telephone: 01709 822330 (Concerned for an adult at risk)
To get in touch with the Safeguarding Team about any incident and/or concern please see the Contact Us page. On the webform please ensure you select the category “Safeguarding – Child Protection, Wellbeing” as this will send your message directly to the Safeguarding team.
Spotting Abuse
Types and Signs of Abuse
There are four categories of abuse:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Sexual
- Neglect
Signs and Indicators
There are many signs and indicators that a child might be suffering abuse; physical, emotional and behavioural or a combination of all of them.
*Please be aware that there might also be perfectly reasonable and innocent situations that explain away these concerns.
Some signs to look for
- Bruises or other injuries
- Pain or discomfort
- Becoming clingy, being watchful and on edge
- Fear of a particular person
- A change in behaviour e.g. from being quiet to loud, confident to withdrawn
- Secrecy about a relationship
- Sexual talk or knowledge beyond their years
- Loses interest in appearance or hobbies
Safeguarding Team
Lindsay Wootton Ashforth
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSO)
In case of emergencies mobile: 07792841090
Maureen Connolly
Deputy Safeguarding Officer
