At Woodsetts Primary, safeguarding is more than a policy — it’s a culture rooted in happiness, belonging, and safety. We believe that children thrive best in a secure, nurturing environment where they feel valued and protected. That’s why safeguarding is woven into every part of school life, from our curriculum to staff training, classroom routines, and beyond. We work in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure every child is safe, respected, and supported. If you ever have concerns or need help, please know we’re here to listen.
At Woodsetts, safeguarding is led by a committed and highly trained team of staff who are responsible for ensuring the welfare of every child.
Our Safeguarding Team includes:
Miss E Batterham – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mrs J Ross – Deputy DSL (Mrs R Toseland will be covering this role whilst Mrs Ross is on maternity leave)
Mr M Revill – Deputy DSL
All of our DSLs have received advanced safeguarding training and have significant experience in working with families, children, and external agencies. They are your first point of contact if you are worried about your child or another child in our school.
You can contact the team confidentially by calling the school office or asking to speak to them directly. Our direct number is 01909 550 758
Safeguarding is the action we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. This includes:
- Preventing abuse and neglect
- Promoting health and wellbeing
- Ensuring all children grow up in safe, effective care
- Empowering children to speak up and make safe choices
We follow statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE) and adhere to local safeguarding procedures from the Rotherham Safeguarding Children Partnership (RSCP).
When concerns arise, we work closely with agencies such as health visitors, social workers, school nursing, and the police to ensure children and families get the right support at the right time.
We take a proactive approach by embedding safeguarding into our everyday teaching. This helps children to build the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in the real world and online.
We teach children:
- What safe and respectful relationships look like
- How to recognise unsafe situations and behaviours
- When and how to ask for help
- How to protect their personal information and safety online
Our curriculum includes:
- PSHE and RSE lessons on wellbeing, friendships, personal boundaries, and emotions
- Online safety through computing, using resources from Project Evolve and Internet Legends
- Workshops and visits from organisations like the NSPCC, PCSOs, and mental health services
- Inclusive education through our No Outsiders programme, promoting respect for difference
Safeguarding messages are also reinforced through assemblies, displays, themed weeks (e.g. Wellbeing Week), and class circle time / community circles.
At Woodsetts, we work to maintain a culture of vigilance. We believe that every member of staff plays a role in safeguarding — not just senior leaders.
To support this, we:
- Provide annual and ongoing training for all staff on the latest guidance
- Use CPOMS, a secure system for recording and tracking concerns
- Conduct weekly briefings and updates to stay alert to risks and emerging issues
- Organise trust-wide DSL networks for sharing best practice
- Use an annual safeguarding calendar to plan audits, reviews, and priorities
Staff receive training not only in child protection but also in:
- Prevent (radicalisation awareness)
- FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)
- County Lines, exploitation, and online grooming
- Safer Recruitment procedures
We also meet regularly as a team to review support for vulnerable children and ensure no one is overlooked.
If you're ever concerned that a child is being harmed or is at risk, it is essential to speak up. You don’t need proof — just a concern is enough.
Here’s what you can do:
- Speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads
- Contact Rotherham MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub): 01709 336080
- In an emergency, call 999
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — parents, staff, and the wider community all play a part.
Under the Prevent Duty, schools are expected to help protect children from the risk of radicalisation and exposure to extremist ideologies. At Woodsetts, we approach this sensitively through education, discussion, and awareness.
We teach children:
- To recognise extremism and hate
- To question what they see online or hear from others
- That all people deserve respect, regardless of belief or background
This is not about political views — it’s about safety and inclusion.
Sometimes families need a little extra support — and that’s okay. At Woodsetts, we work with Rotherham Family Hubs and other services to offer a range of parenting support options.
These include:
- Triple P – positive strategies for common challenges
- Sleep Tight – help for children struggling with sleep
- Fear-Less – managing anxiety in children and teens
These programmes are available in person and online. You can register yourself, or we can help signpost you.
Early Help means offering the right support at the right time — before problems grow.
This might include:
- Advice on parenting, behaviour or school
- Help with routines, emotional needs, or finances
- Linking your family with community support groups
It’s voluntary, friendly, and non-judgemental. If you think it could benefit your family, come in and talk to us — we’re here to help.
We teach our children to be smart, safe, and kind online from the earliest age. Our curriculum includes:
- Keeping personal info private
- What to do if something upsets them
- How to be respectful digital citizens
- How to spot online risks like scams, fake news, or strangers
We celebrate Safer Internet Day, hold regular assemblies, and share advice through newsletters. We also use trusted resources like:
Families are encouraged to stay involved with their child's digital life — we’re happy to help guide you. We also have a sophisticated filtering system in school which helps to protect children when online and alerts staff should they try to view inappropriate material.
General Child Protection
- NSPCC – How to spot and report abuse
- Childline – A safe place for children to talk
- Parents Protect
- Prevent duty
Online Safety
Mental Health & SEND Support
