Our Safeguarding Statement
At Sherborne Abbey CE Primary School, there is nothing more important to us than the physical and emotional health and well-being of our pupils and staff alike. We recognise that every day we are trusted with the most precious members of your families. As such we have created and work hard to maintain a climate in which staff, pupils, parents and governors feel able to articulate concerns comfortably; safe in the knowledge that effective action will be taken, as appropriate.
Our Safeguarding Policies apply to all adults, including volunteers, working in, or on behalf of our School. We expect everyone working in or for our school to share responsibility for keeping children safe from harm and abuse and report any concerns to one of our DSLs (please see below). Together we must ensure that all children, their families and our staff, feel safe, valued and cared for at all times and are nurtured to thrive and achieve to be the best we can be.
We welcome volunteers, including parents, into our school but at all times ensure that volunteers are suitable to work with children. Those who volunteer to spend time with our children on a regular basis are required to undergo a DBS check.
At Sherborne Abbey, children are taught about how to stay safe physically, mentally and spiritually. This includes staying safe online. Our taught curriculum and PSHE programme of assemblies covers how to stay physically and emotionally healthy and includes e-safety and age-appropriate sex and relationship education (SRE). We use Jigsaw to ensure good coverage and age appropriate resources and content.
All concerns regarding our children, whether relating to safeguarding, behaviour, home life etc are recorded electronically using a programme called My Concern.
Designated Safeguarding Leads – DSLs
The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Lisa Thompson – Head of School. She is supported by Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads/Links:
- Mr Ian Bartle (Executive Headteacher)
- Mrs Kirsty Beaumont (SENDCO)
- Mrs Alex Harrison (EYFS & KS1 Leader)
- Mrs Hayley Harris (Parent Support Advisor and ELSA)
Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass is a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse. Mrs Lisa Thompson is our primary contact for Dorset Police and Operation Encompass.
Beyond the School Day:
Mrs Hayley Harris (Breakfast and After School Childcare Lead) is the extended schools Safeguarding Link and Mrs Lisa Thompson (Head of School) is the DSL.
Any of the above people can be contacted if you are worried about your own home situation or that of any other child. You can do so in confidence by making an appointment via the school office to see the Head of School or phoning on 01935 812318.
ALL our staff have been trained on safeguarding to the appropriate requirements.
Mr Daniel Hutchings is the Designated Safeguarding Academy Committee representative (Governor).
Recruitment/Volunteering
Sherborne Abbey Primary School is committed to protect our children. ALL POSTS will require an enhanced disclosure barring service check prior to appointment / working with our children. This will be carried out by the school prior to appointment. DBS checks will be completed again every 4 years in rotation. All staff will complete annual Safeguarding training and a yearly SAST wide Declaration Form.
School Security and Safety
Our purpose built school was constructed with security in mind.
Adult access (visitors, parents, contractors etc.) is only available through the main entrance, which has a controlled entry system and all other doors and gates are locked at 8.45am to ensure our children’s safety throughout the school day.
Health and Safety is of upmost importance to us. We are regularly audited by Dorset Council and the Department for Education.
Cars are allowed onto site at morning drop off but access is severely restricted at home-time to ensure children can leave our site safely without the risk of moving cars and fumes. Please note that any abuse of this might result in your car being banned from our private site.
If you are a blue badge holder, please speak to the office to request your Red Badge/Home-time Parking Permit. ONLY cars with this permit are allowed onto site between 2.30pm & 3.30pm each day.
We are also fortunate enough to be working with Fernao Barros, Community Engagement Officer at Dorset Council, for their School Streets initiative.
Worried About a Child’s Safety?
If you are concerned about a child in Dorset and want to speak to someone, contact the Children’s Advice and Duty Service on 01305 228558 and give as much info as you can.
Safeguarding Policy 2025 – 2026