At Deanshanger Primary School, the safety and well-being of our pupils are our top priorities. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. For full details, please refer to our Policies section, where you will find all relevant safeguarding policies.

Reporting a Concern

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you have any concerns about safety or well-being of a child or young person at our school, please report it immediately to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs):

• Miss Morris (Lead DSL)
• Mrs Mildren
• Mrs Burnside
• Mrs Bailey
• Miss Forward

Our Safeguarding Governor is Mr Chris Balderstone.

If your concern involves a serious child protection issue-such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect - please speak to a staff member in confidence. You will be asked to provide a written record of your concern using our safeguarding form, available from the school office. Please ensure all sections of the form are completed.

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If you have concerns about the conduct of a member of staff, a child's foster carer, or a volunteer, you should report immediately to the Headteacher. If the allegation concerns the Headteacher, please contact the Chair of the Governing Body.

At Deanshanger Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where all children can thrive.

E-safety at Deanshanger Primary School

In today's digital world, the internet plays a vital role in children's learning. At Deanshanger Primary School, we are committed to teaching our pupils how to stay safe online through regular activities and discussions. However, online safety doesn't end at school - it's equally important for parents and carers to take steps to protect children at home.

Keeping Your Children Safe Online

Children may sometimes have unsupervised access to the internet at home. To help keep them safe, we strongly recommend following these key guidelines:

• Monitor Internet Use - Ensure your child is using the internet safely by supervising their activity and setting parental controls.
• Know the Age Limits - Most social media platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat, have a minimum age requirement of 13. Pupils should NOT be using these platforms.
• Protect Personal Information - Never share personal details (such as locations, school names, or ages) about your child or other children in the school community on social media.
• Maintain Respectful Online Conduct - We have a zero-tolerance policy on inappropriate social media comments about school staff. Any negative or defamatory remarks may be referred to the police. If you have concerns or complaints, please speak directly to the Headteacher.

Useful Resources for Online Safety

To support you in keeping your child safe online, here are some useful resources:

• ThinkUKnow - Advice from the National Crime Agency on online safety.
• Internet Matters - Parental guidance on managing screen time and setting up controls.
• NSPCC Online Safety - Tips on how to talk to your child about staying safe online.

By working together, we can help ensure that all children have a safe and positive experience online.

Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe Online

• Talk to Your Child About Their Online Activities

Encourage open conversations about the internet. Ask your child what they enjoy online, what websites they visit, and what they love about them. Showing an interest helps build trust - if they know you understand, they're more likely to come to you if they encounter problems. 

• Get Involved in Their Online World

Be a part of their digital life just as you are in their offline activities. Explore websites together, discuss their favourite apps, and involve the whole family in safe and responsible internet use.

• Watch ThinkuKnow Films and Cartoons Together

​​​​​​​The ThinkuKNow website offers age-appropriate films, games, and advice for children aged 5 to 16. Watching and discussing these together can help your child learn essential online safety skills in a fun and engaging way.

• Encourage Safe and Educational Online Exploration

​​​​​​​The internet offers many fantastic, age-appropriate websites that are fun, educational, and help children develop digital skills. Guide your child towards positive online experiences that support their learning and creativity.

• Stay Up-to-date with Your Child's Online Development

​​​​​​​As children grow, their online interests and skills evolve. Stay informed about the latest apps, games, and trends so you can guide them appropriately. Keeping up-to-date ensures that you can offer relevant advice as their digital world expands.

• Set Online Boundaries Like You Would in Real Life

​​​​​​​Just as you set rules for safety in the real world, establish guidelines for online behaviour. Talk to your child about:

• What content is appropriate to view?
• What personal information should remain private
• Who they can communicate with online
• How much screen time is appropriate?

Starting these conversations early helps children develop the skills they need to navigate the internet safely.

• Keep Internet-Connected Devices in Family Spaces

​​​​​​​For younger children, keeping screens in common areas allows you to monitor their online activity and offer guidance if they come across something unexpected. Creating a shared digital environment fosters safer browsing habits. 

• Use Parental Controls to Set Safe Boundaries

​​​​​​​Parental controls are a great tool for managing your child's internet use. They can help you:

• Set time limits on apps and websites
• Filter age-appropriate content
• Monitor usage without invading privacy

Parental controls are easier to set up than you might think. Most internet providers, mobile networks, and gaming consoles offer simple, user-friendly options - check your service provider for guidance. By staying engaged, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, you can help your child enjoy their interests safely and responsibly.

To contact by telephone - Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub: 0300 126 1000 and by email: MASH@northamptonshire.gcsx.gov.uk

Miss Karen Morris – Head teacher   Designated Safeguarding Lead                                                                              head@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

Mrs. Lynn Mildren - Learning Mentor     Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead                                                       lmildren@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

Mrs Rachel Burnside – SENCo      Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead        SENCo@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

Mr Hannah Bailey- Year 6 teacher   Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead    hbailey@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

Miss Steph Forward  Year 3  teacher sforward@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk

• Find out more about the Prevent strategy at Deanshanger here.
• NSPCC guidance for safeguarding children.
• Women's Aid - working together until women and children are safe.

Alternatively, you can contact Northants County Council Call – 0300 126 1000 (extended opening hours) and/or visit the Northamptonshire County Council's Safeguarding Children Board.

For further fact sheets regarding E-safety topics, please see below -

Fortnite      Snapchat     Instagram      Squid Games     Twitch    Tik-tok      Loot boxes and skins betting

WhatsApp       Child Safety on YouTube Kids        Keep your child safe on YouTube        Your child's screen time

Fake news and disinformation online 

For pupils and parents in KS1 and KS2 regarding keeping safe online from CEOP - Thinkuknow

Online support for exploitation and abuse - CEOP

Further information from UK Safer Internet Centre

 

• Click this link to see our 
• Find out more about the Prevent strategy at Deanshanger here.
• NSPCC guidance for safeguarding children.
• Women's Aid - working together until women and children are safe.

Alternatively, you can contact Northants County Council Call – 0300 126 1000 (extended opening hours) and/or visit the Northamptonshire County Council's Safeguarding Children Board.