Safeguarding

The health, safety and well-being of all children is the top priority at both Beckington and Mells schools. 

We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment to safeguarding our pupils.

We follow all statutory guidelines as well as our own policies and procedures. Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be viewed on our policy webpage and we would be happy to provide a paper copy on request.  

All school staff have basic Safeguarding awareness training and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs of physical/emotional harm or neglect and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Child abuse can take a range of different forms. It is any action by another person (adult or child) that causes harm to a child. It can be defined as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.

We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. We will always act to protect a child where there is a disclosure or concern about child abuse. 

On rare occasions our concern about a child may mean that we have to consult other agencies. We will ensure that all concerns are discussed with parent/carers first, before any referrals are made, unless we believe that such a move may be contrary to a child’s welfare.

Safeguarding team

If you have a concern which involves the safety or wellbeing of a young person during school hours, please contact one of the safeguarding team. 

Beckington - DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) - Patrick Vincent - pvincent@beckingtonmellsfed.co.uk

Mells - DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) - Kate Simons - ksimons@beckingtonmellsfed.co.uk

Beckington & Mells DDSL (Deputy Safeguarding Lead) - Adam Summers - asummers@beckingtonmellsfed.co.uk

Beckington & Mells Safeguarding Governor - Mike Brotherton - mbrotherton@beckingtonmellsfed.co.uk

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If you have a concern out of school hours, please contact the following:

If a child is in immediate risk of harm, please contact Children's social care:

Phone: 0300 123 2224
Email: childrens@somerset.gov.uk

If a crime is being committed, please contact the police on 999 or report a crime that has already taken place on 101.

if you would like to speak to a social worker outside of office hours contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 03001232327.

Safeguarding advice:

Childline - support and advice for children - tel: 0800 1111

NSPCC - children's charity which helps to prevent abuse and helps those affected to recover.
Prevent - safeguarding and supporting those vulnerable to radicalisation.

CEOP - Child exploitation and online protection
Beckington & Mells e-safety policy - please see policy webpage