At Amherst School we believe that all those directly connected (staff, governors, parents, pupils and visitors) have an essential role to play in making it safe and secure. We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children with their best interests at the centre of all we do.

We recognise the importance of providing an ethos and environment within our school that will help children to feel safe, secure and respected, encourage them to talk openly and enable them to feel confident and that they will be listened to. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.

The term safeguarding is wide-ranging in nature and extends from ensuring that we have health and safety policies in place within the school and grounds and we respond to any issues promptly, and the safer recruitment of staff and volunteers and ensuring that they have been subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Services). Our safeguarding extends through our bespoke PSHE curriculum where a range of topics are covered at age appropriate times.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Andrew Reid (Headteacher)

Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Trish Jones (Assistant Headteacher) and Lyndsey Billing (SENCO)

Safeguarding Governor: Sue Arnold