Safeguarding Children at Southfields

The responsibility for Safeguarding lies with EVERYONE.

At Southfields Primary School, the safety and wellbeing of our children is at the heart of everything we do.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff have a responsibility to recognise concerns, listen to children and act when something does not feel right. We work together with children, families and other professionals to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in which children can learn and thrive.

Our Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
Mrs C Hilton – Deputy Headteacher
Mrs S Mathlin – Headteacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Mr A Brierley – Early Help Lead

Our wider safeguarding team also includes Miss Payne, Miss Nespoli and Mrs Urciuoli, who have undertaken enhanced safeguarding training and support our safeguarding practice across school.

Safeguarding Governor
Miss E Peacock

All staff at Southfields receive safeguarding training and know how to recognise, record and report concerns. Our DSLs and DDSL undertake additional specialist training to fulfil their designated safeguarding responsibilities.

How we keep children safe

Safeguarding is much more than responding when something goes wrong. We work proactively to create a culture in which children feel safe, are heard and know where to get help.

This includes:

robust safer recruitment procedures and appropriate checks for staff, governors and volunteers
regular safeguarding, child protection, Prevent and online safety training for staff
secure access to the school site, visitor procedures and CCTV
appropriate filtering and monitoring of school technology
safeguarding education through the curriculum, including PSHE, RSE and online safety
attendance monitoring and responding to unexplained or concerning absence
Early Help and support for children and families when difficulties begin to emerge
working closely with Children's Social Care, health, the police and other professionals when additional support or protection is required
listening to children's views and providing different ways for them to tell us when they are worried.

Speak Up, Stay Safe

Children are encouraged to talk to any trusted adult in school if they have a worry.

Children can also use their classroom Worry Monster or our Speak Up, Stay Safe box outside Mrs Hilton's office. The box also gives children an opportunity to tell us about places in school where they feel safe or unsafe and suggest things that could make our school even safer.

Children are reminded that if they need help straight away, they should tell an adult rather than wait for a written worry to be seen.

Safeguarding policies and statutory guidance

Our safeguarding arrangements are informed by statutory guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 and Working Together to Safeguard Children. KCSIE 2026 applies to schools in England from 1 September 2026.

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy – available on our Statutory Policies and Guidance page
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026
Online Safety Policy – available on our Statutory Policies and Guidance page
Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy – available on our Statutory Policies and Guidance page

Our policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and updated in response to statutory requirements and the needs of our school community.

What To Do If You Have a Concern

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child at Southfields Primary School:

Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (details above).
If the DSL is unavailable, speak to a Deputy DSL.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

You can also contact:

Local Authority Children’s Services: Refer to their website - https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/children-and-families/childrens-social-care/safeguarding-children
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Southfields Primary School