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Safeguarding

At Bonneygrove and Millbrook primary Federation, keeping children safe is our highest priority.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child — physically, emotionally and mentally. We want every pupil to feel safe, valued and confident that adults in school will listen and help them.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Our Approach to Keeping Children Safe

We take a whole-school approach to safeguarding. This means:

  • All staff are trained regularly in child protection.

  • We have clear systems for reporting and responding to concerns.

  • We follow strict safer recruitment procedures when employing staff.

  • Visitors and volunteers are checked appropriately.

  • We work closely with outside agencies where needed.

  • We teach pupils how to stay safe, including online.

We act quickly and take all concerns seriously.

 

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025
What Parents Need to Know

All schools in England must follow the government’s statutory guidance called Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

The latest version comes into force from 1 September 2025 and applies throughout the 2025–26 academic year.

This guidance sets out what schools must do to safeguard children.

Key Updates in 2025

1. Stronger Focus on Online Safety

The updated guidance highlights new and emerging digital risks, including:

  • Misinformation and harmful online content

  • Conspiracy theories

  • The impact of artificial intelligence (AI)

  • Online exploitation and harmful peer interactions

Schools must ensure appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place and teach children how to stay safe online.

2. Attendance as a Safeguarding Issue

There is increased emphasis on the link between safeguarding and attendance.

Persistent absence or children missing education can sometimes indicate:

  • Emotional distress

  • Neglect

  • Exploitation

  • Wider safeguarding concerns

We monitor attendance carefully and work closely with families to provide support where needed.

3. Early Help and Early Intervention

The 2025 guidance strengthens expectations around early help.

This means:

If a child or family needs support, we aim to provide help early before concerns escalate. This may include support for:

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • Family challenges

  • SEND needs

  • Online safety concerns

4. Ongoing Safeguarding Developments

Safeguarding guidance continues to evolve. Further updates are expected in 2026, including additional guidance linked to relationships education and emerging safeguarding themes.

We review and update our policies regularly to ensure we remain fully compliant with statutory requirements.

 

Safeguarding Leadership in School

We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who oversees all safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Deputy Safeguarding Leads are also trained to ensure support is always available.

The safeguarding team:

  • Makes referrals to children’s services where necessary

  • Works with external agencies

  • Ensures staff training is up to date

  • Monitors concerns carefully

  • Supports pupils and families

If you are unsure who the DSL is, please contact the school office.

 

Working in Partnership with Parents

Parents and carers play a vital role in safeguarding.

You can help by:

  • Informing us of any changes in family circumstances

  • Sharing concerns about your child’s wellbeing

  • Monitoring online activity at home

  • Encouraging open conversations about safety

If you have any concerns about a child’s welfare, please speak to:

  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • A Deputy Safeguarding Lead

  • A member of the Senior Leadership Team

  • The school office

You can also use the Safeguarding Reporting Form on our website.

 

What If You Are Worried About a Child?

If you believe a child may be at risk:

  • Speak to the school immediately

  • Contact your GP or health visitor

  • Contact Children’s Services

  • Call the police if a child is in immediate danger (999)

If you suspect Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), this must be reported immediately to the police.

It is always better to share a concern — even if you are unsure.

 

Our Safeguarding Policies

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually and reflects the latest statutory guidance, including KCSIE 2025.

Policies are available on our website or from the school office upon request.

 

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where:

  • Children feel secure

  • Parents feel confident

  • Staff act quickly and professionally

  • Concerns are taken seriously

  • Every child is protected

Safeguarding underpins everything we do.