If you are worried or concerned about a child’s safety you should report it to either a DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) in school, telephone 01530 243151 or email dsl@mercenfeld.bepschools.org
The schools DSL’s are Mrs Randle, Mrs Weatherill, Mrs Collins, Mrs Kasler and Mrs Jewitt.
DSL’s are trained in dealing with child abuse and safeguarding children.
Mrs Randle
Headteacher
Mrs Weatherill
Deputy Headteacher
Mrs Collins
EYFS/KS1 Lead
Mrs Kasler
SENCo
Mrs Jewitt
Year 5 & SLT
Staff and volunteers in the school have a duty to report concerns about a child, whether this means the child may be in need of additional support or help of some kind or whether it is thought that a child may have been abused or be at risk of abuse.
There are 4 categories of abuse:
In some cases the school is obliged to refer children to the Social Services Department, for children to be assessed for their needs or if an investigation into possible child abuse is required. In many cases there will already have been discussions between school staff and the parents of the child, and the situation and concerns will not be a surprise to the parents. However, parents may not be told that the school has referred their child to the Social Services Department if it is thought that this might put the child at risk.
The Social Services Department tries to carry out its enquiries in a sensitive fashion. It has to gather information and generally it can be open with parents about the steps being taken.
If school staff need to express concerns about a child or refer a child to the Social Services Department, it is understood that this can cause distress or anger for the child’s parents. It is important that all parties (including parents and school staff) try to discuss these matters as calmly and sensibly as possible.
Below are resources that parents, carers or foster parents may find useful.
Our school is part of Operation Encompass.
Operation Encompass is a national police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people who experience Domestic Violence and Abuse and which is in place in every police force in England and Wales.
Children were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right in the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act.
Operation Encompass means that the police will share information with our school about all police attended Domestic Abuse incidents which involve any of our children PRIOR to the start of the next school day.
You can find more information on their website https://www.operationencompass.org/
If you are worried about a child’s safety out of school hours contact:
First Response Children’s Duty Team 0116 305 0005 (24-hour phone line)
Phone 999 if a crime is being committed or if a child is in danger.
Contact Leicestershire police on 101 if you think a crime has been committed but there is no immediate danger.
