Safeguarding at David Lewis School
At David Lewis School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are fully committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of all our students, and we expect all staff, volunteers, and visitors to share this commitment. The safety, wellbeing, and happiness of our pupils is our highest priority and underpins every aspect of school life. All staff are trained and empowered to identify and report any concerns, and we actively encourage a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are a parent, carer, family member, friend, or neighbour—everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe.
We have clear, robust safeguarding procedures in place, which align with Cheshire East Local Authority’s safeguarding policies and current national legislation. These procedures are regularly reviewed and embedded through comprehensive, ongoing staff training. At times, to ensure the safety and welfare of a child, we may need to share information and work in partnership with external agencies. Wherever possible, we will discuss any concerns with parents or carer’s in advance—unless doing so would compromise the child’s safety. To help maintain a safe and secure environment, we follow a rigorous safer recruitment policy. All staff and regular volunteers undergo the full range of statutory checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. David Lewis School also benefits from a dedicated on-site Social Work Team, who lead on managing referrals and safeguarding concerns. We have a clear whistleblowing policy in place to ensure that all staff feel confident to report any worries, knowing that they will be listened to and supported.
We are proud of our collaborative approach to safeguarding, working closely with families and external agencies to ensure that every pupil feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Safeguarding Contacts
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Raisa Tryon – Designated Safeguarding Lead
raisa.tryon@davidlewis.org.uk
01565 640140
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Lily Carney
Hannah Phillips – Assistant Head
Kate Tierney – Head of School
Nominated Safeguarding Governor
Fenella Cannings-Jurd
Mental Health Lead
Raisa Tryon
Student & Family Support Lead
Hannah Phillips – Assistant Head
Lily Carney
You can also contact any member of our Safeguarding Team at SWD@davidlewis.org.uk
Safeguarding Definition
At David Lewis, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students is our highest priority. We are committed to:
- Protecting students from abuse and neglect
- Preventing any impairment to their health or development
- Ensuring they grow up in a safe, nurturing environment that supports effective care
- Taking timely and appropriate action to help every young person achieve their full potential
- Supporting families as a whole to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those involved in their care
We work closely with families, carer’s, and external agencies to create a secure and supportive school community where all students feel safe, valued, and ready to thrive’
Safeguarding Links at David Lewis School
DfE Cyberbullying Guidance
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/444865/Advice_for_parents_on_cyberbullying.pdf
NSPCC Guidance on spotting child abuse and harm
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/
CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the abuse and exploitation of children in the real and ‘e’ world. Often it is referred to as an online 999.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/
The “Thinkuknow” website is brought to you by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre. It provides resources and information for Parents/Carers. It also has a number of videos for children to watch to help with issues such as cyberbullying and talking to strangers online.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Childnet International has a range of resources available to parents regarding online safety. It has up-to-date guides and an online chat forum if you need to speak to an expert.
https://www.childnet.com/
Tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep your child safe online.
As a parent or carer you play a key role in helping your child to stay safe online. You don’t need to be an expert on the internet to help keep your child stay safe online.
https://saferinternet.org.uk/
Share, Take Care: tips for parents
This short guide will help you to make sure your children stay safe and happy online.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p023xv3k
https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/parents-guide-for-safe-youtube-and-internet-streaming-for-kids/
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.
YMs want to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what. Find out more.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
Cheshire East Safeguarding Children’s Partnership has been established to oversee the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Children arrangements as required by the government guidance Working Together 2018. Here you will find help with issues and solutions available to keep children safe.
If you and your family are already involved in safeguarding or child protection services, this section will help you understand systems like Child Protection Case Conferences and Private Fostering.
https://www.cescp.org.uk/parents-and-carers/parents-and-carers.aspx
Safeguarding Contacts
If you need to report a concern, please contact any member of our Safeguarding Team during school opening hours – this is 8.45am to 4.00pm term time only. Reception can divert your call accordingly via our switch 01565 640000.
If you wish to report a concern outside of the school opening hours, including weekends and bank holidays, please contact one of the following organisations.
For Children living in Cheshire East
Phone 0300 123 5012 (option 3) Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday or 0300 123 5022 evenings and weekends, including bank holidays.
For Children living in Cheshire West
Phone 0300 123 7047 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday or 01244 977277 evenings and weekends, including bank holidays.
For Children living in Manchester
Phone Manchester contact centre on 0161 234 5001.
For Children living in Stockport
Phone 0161 217 6028 Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm, Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm or 0161 718 2118 evenings and weekends, including bank holidays.
For Children living in Trafford
Phone 0161 912 5125 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday or 0161 912 2020 evenings and weekends, including bank holidays.
For Children living in Lancashire
Phone 0300 123 6720 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday or 0300 123 6722 evenings and weekends, including bank holidays.
For Children living in Staffordshire
Phone 0300 111 8007 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday or 0345 604 2886 evenings and weekends, including bank holidays.
For Children living in Derbyshire
Phone Derbyshire contact centre on 01629 533190.
For Children living in Shropshire
Phone Shropshire contact centre on 0345 678 9021.