Safeguarding

If a child is in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm, call 999 and ask for the police.

For advice or to report a concern, contact Cheshire East Consultation Service (ChECS) on 0300 123 5012, option 3. For urgent concerns outside normal working hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 123 5022.

Cheshire East: concerned about a child

Cheshire East Safeguarding Children's Partnership

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

At Park Lane School, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every pupil are our highest priorities. Staff, governors, volunteers and visitors share a responsibility to protect children from harm, listen to concerns and act without delay. We work closely with families and partner agencies so that children receive the right help at the right time.

If you are worried about your own safety, the safety of another child, or need advice and support, you do not need to face the concern alone. Please contact our Designated Safeguarding Team or one of the organisations listed below.

Meet our safeguarding team

Emma Shaw Square.jpgEmma Shaw, Head Teacher

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Katy Wadsworth Square.jpgKaty Wadsworth, Deputy Head

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Charlotte Hughes Square.jpgCharlotte Hughes

Safeguarding Governor

School-based support

What to do if you have a concern

  • Tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately. Do not wait for proof.

  • If a child speaks to you, listen carefully, remain calm and do not promise confidentiality.

  • Explain that you must share the information with the safeguarding team so that the child can be helped.

  • Record what was said accurately, using the child’s own words where possible, and pass the record on immediately.

  • If communication support is needed, ask a member of the child’s class team for assistance.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Concerns about an adult working or volunteering at school

Report any concern, allegation or low-level concern about the conduct of an adult working or volunteering at school immediately to Emma Shaw, Head Teacher. If the concern is about the Head Teacher, it should be reported to the Chair of Governors. Follow the school’s safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures.

Visitors and volunteers

All visitors and volunteers are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding pupils. Please:

  • Sign in at Reception and wear the visitor badge at all times.

  • Remain in Reception until met by the designated member of staff.

  • Do not use a mobile phone or take photographs on the school premises unless expressly authorised.

  • Keep all information about pupils confidential.

  • When working with pupils, remain visible to others at all times.

  • Report any safeguarding concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  • Sign out and return your badge when leaving.

Operation Encompass

Park Lane School is part of Operation Encompass, a national partnership between schools and police forces. The school’s trained Key Adult is notified before the start of the next school day when police have attended a domestic abuse incident involving a child or young person at the school. This confidential information helps us understand how a pupil may be affected and put timely, appropriate support in place.

Find out more about Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass school-to-parent letter

Getting help and support

If you are worried about your own safety, the safety of another child, or need advice and support, help is available both in school and within the local community. You do not need to face concerns alone. Please contact our Designated Safeguarding Team or one of the organisations listed below. These local and national services provide advice and support to children, young people and families.

Safeguarding and family support

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Domestic abuse support

Online safety

Helplines for children and young people

Policies and documents