"Live a life of love, just as Jesus loved us" — Ephesians 5:2

At Witchampton C of E First School, we hold the safety and protection of our children as a sacred responsibility. Inspired by the biblical imperative to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" (Proverbs 31:8–9) and to "defend the weak and the fatherless" (Psalm 82:3), we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the physical, emotional, and spiritual welfare of every pupil, both inside and outside of the school premises.

Grounded in our core Christian values of Love, Courage, Inspiration, and Respect, we implement a whole-school preventative approach to managing safeguarding concerns, ensuring that the dignity and wellbeing of every child—as someone uniquely created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)—is at the forefront of all action taken.

We expect all staff, governors, volunteers, and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant, safe, and nurturing environment. It is our willingness to work in a safe manner, act with courage, and challenge inappropriate behavior that underpins our commitment to enabling every child to grow safely and live life in all its fullness (John 10:10).

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Sarah Fairman and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead are Mrs Rebecca Greeves and Miss Helen Self.  You can contact the Safeguarding Lead through the school office on 01258 840684 or via email safeguarding@witchamptonfirstschool.org

Our Designated Safeguarding Leader is Mrs Sarah Fairman.	Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader is  Mrs Rebecca Greaves	Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding  Leader is  Miss Helen Self.

All members of our Safeguarding Team have had specialist training in Safeguarding and Child Protection. All staff at Witchampton C of E First School are trained in Safeguarding Children, have regular Safeguarding training and understand their role in protecting children.

Kelly Overhill is the Safeguarding Officer for Initio Learning Trust koverhill@initiolearning.org

Richard Purchase is the Lead Safeguarding Trustee for Initio Learning Trust.

Have a concern?

If you have a concern about a child, please contact the school and ask to speak with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or one of their deputies.

If you have a concern about a child outside of school hours please contact the following Local Authority out of hours services:

• Dorset Children's Advice and Duty Service (ChAD) - 01305 228866

• Dorset LADO* - 01305 221122  or LADO@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 

• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) - 01202 738256

• Bournemouth LADO* 01202 817 600 or LADO@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

*LADO most commonly refers to the Local Authority Designated Officer, a role responsible for managing and overseeing allegations of significant harm or potential harm against people who work with children, ensuring fairness and child safety while liaising with police and social services.

For any emergencies relating to welfare or safety, dial 999.

For more information follow this link:

Pan Dorset Children's Safeguarding board