Safeguarding
We take our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children extremely seriously.
The safety and well-being of our students is our utmost priority. We have a robust safeguarding policy in place to create a secure and nurturing environment. Our team is vigilant in maintaining a culture of safeguarding, ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and able to focus on their learning. We work closely with parents and external agencies to uphold the highest standards of student welfare, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively.
Staff
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs Christina Curno, Head of Lancaster House.
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) are:
Mrs Lyndsay Smith, Welfare Officer
Mrs Sarah Sherring, Assistant Headteacher and SEMHCo
Mr Dominic Beer, Assistant Headteacher
Mr Mark Owen, Head of Windsor House
Mrs Marie Norris, Head of Caernarfon House
Ms Betsy Moss, Early Help Co-ordinator
Mrs Amanda Holley, Medical Lead
Mrs Heidi Penn, Attendance Officer
Training
All staff at The Castle School receive a safeguarding induction with the DSL during their first three days in the role. They then undertake Basic Safeguarding Awareness training.
Every year, all staff begin the academic year with a safeguarding refresher. In addition, staff are required to read and sign annual updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation, along with school and trust safeguarding policies.
The DSL has undertaken Advanced Child Protection training. In addition, the DSL and all DDSLs receive regular in-depth training on matters of safeguarding and child protection.
Every shortlisting and interview panel includes at least one member who is trained in Safer Recruitment.
How to Report a Concern
If you have a concern which involves the safety or wellbeing of a young person during school hours, please contact the school on 01823 274073 and ask to speak to the DSL or a DDSL, or email safe@castle.bep.ac
If the concern is serious and outside of school hours please contact the following:
If a child is in immediate risk of harm, please contact Children's Social Care on 0300 123 2224 or childrens@somerset.gov.uk
If a crime is been committed, please contact the police on 999.
To report a crime that has already taken place call 101.
If you would like to speak to a social worker outside of office hours contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0300 123 23 27.
Other Useful Contact Numbers
Childline: 0800 1111
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Useful Links
Keeping Children Safe in Education
Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership