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

Ms Elly Layfield

Designated Safeguarding Lead

safeguarding@dmsschool.co.uk

Mrs Fiona Ray