Safeguarding at Overdale Junior School

“Safeguarding is strong and leaders place it at the heart of the school.” OAK Trust Growing Together Day, 2026

 

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Overdale Junior School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our highest priority.

We are committed to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, respected and protected. We believe that children achieve their best when they feel secure, listened to and cared for, and we work hard to ensure that every pupil can learn and thrive in a positive and nurturing school community.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every member of staff, governor, volunteer and visitor has a role to play in protecting children from harm and promoting their wellbeing. We maintain a strong culture of safeguarding where concerns are taken seriously, children are listened to, and action is taken promptly when support is needed.

Our approach is child-centred. We work closely with children, families and external agencies to ensure that children receive the right help at the right time. Through early identification, effective support and strong partnerships, we aim to ensure that every child is safe, healthy and able to achieve their full potential.

“They feel safe and understand who their trusted adult is in school.” OAK Trust Growing Together Day, 2026

Child Protection And Safeguarding Policy

OJS Early Help Offer

OJS Safeguarding Leaflet For Visitors

Leicester City Council Early Help Offer

What do our children say about our school?

Concerned About a Child?

If you are worried about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child, please contact our safeguarding team immediately.

Email: safeguarding@overdale-jun.leicester.sch.uk

Telephone: 0116 288 3736

You may ask to speak directly with a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

No concern is too small. If something does not feel right, please share your concern.

If a Child Is in Immediate Danger

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

You can also contact:

Leicester Children’s Social Care and Early Help
Telephone: 0116 454 1004

Leicester Safeguarding Children Board:

http://www.lcitylscb.org/information-for-parents-and-carers/

Further information is available through Leicester’s safeguarding partnership services.

Our Safeguarding Culture

At Overdale Junior School, we strive to create an open and positive safeguarding culture where children know they can talk to trusted adults and where all concerns are acted upon appropriately.

We encourage pupils to share worries, ask for help and speak out if something does not feel right. Children are taught that their voices matter and that adults in school will listen and support them.

Safeguarding is embedded throughout school life. It underpins our policies, procedures, curriculum, staff training and decision-making. We regularly review our safeguarding arrangements to ensure that they remain effective and responsive to the needs of our pupils and community.

How We Keep Children Safe

We promote the safety and wellbeing of our pupils through:

• A strong safeguarding culture across the school.
• Clear safeguarding policies, procedures and reporting systems.
• Regular safeguarding training for all staff.
• Early Help and support for children and families.
• Effective partnership working with external agencies.
• Robust safer recruitment procedures.
• Online safety education and appropriate filtering and monitoring systems.
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education.
• Relationships Education and the promotion of healthy relationships.
• Teaching pupils how to recognise risks and seek help.
• Support for pupils’ mental health, wellbeing and resilience.
• Positive behaviour expectations and an inclusive school environment.

Through our curriculum and wider school experiences, children learn how to keep themselves safe in school, at home, in the community and online. They are taught how to make safe choices, build healthy relationships and access support when needed.

Support for Parents and Families

We recognise that raising children can sometimes be challenging and that families may need additional help and support.

If you would like advice regarding your child’s safety, wellbeing, attendance, behaviour, emotional health or family circumstances, please contact a member of our safeguarding team. We will always seek to work in partnership with families and, where appropriate, help you access support services.

Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Tanya Cross

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)

• Mrs Holmes
• Mrs Perryman
• Miss Preston
• Mrs Brown
• Mrs Chalk

Safeguarding Governor: Tony Smith

Chair of Governors: Tony Smith

Prevent Single Point of Contact (SPOC): Tanya Cross

What Does the Safeguarding Team Do?

The safeguarding team leads and coordinates safeguarding and child protection arrangements across the school.

Their responsibilities include:

• Supporting children who may be vulnerable, at risk or in need of additional help.
• Listening to children and ensuring their views are heard.
• Providing advice and support to staff on safeguarding matters.
• Working with parents and carers to promote children’s welfare.
• Making referrals and working with Children’s Social Care, Health Services, the Police and other agencies.
• Coordinating Early Help and multi-agency support.
• Maintaining accurate safeguarding records.
• Ensuring all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.
• Monitoring safeguarding practice across the school.
• Leading safeguarding education, including online safety and Prevent.
• Supporting safer recruitment and maintaining compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements.