Safeguarding
Cottam Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of every child in our care. We strive to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued, listened to, and supported to thrive.
We take a whole-school, preventative approach to safeguarding, placing the wellbeing and best interests of children at the heart of every decision and action we take. We recognise that every child’s circumstances and needs are unique, and that no single professional can ever hold the complete picture. For this reason, we believe that everyone who works with children and families has an important role to play in noticing concerns, sharing information appropriately, and taking timely action to ensure children receive the right help and support when they need it most.
At Cottam Primary School, we are committed to building trusting relationships with pupils and families, encouraging children to feel safe, confident, and able to speak to trusted adults. Our staff and Governors receive annual safeguarding training to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, and confidence needed to protect and support all children effectively.
This policy provides a clear and consistent framework for how we fulfil these responsibilities, in line with current safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Our safeguarding policy and procedures comply with:
Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
Working Together to Improve School Attendance 2024
Children’s Safeguarding Assurance Partnership Guidance
We also take into account Guidance for Safer Working Practice when developing our policies and procedures.
Our Designated Safeguarding Leader is:
Mrs Kellie Rainford (Headteacher)
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leaders are:
Miss Becki Culkin (Deputy Headteacher and Sendco)
Mrs Nicola Ward (SLT)
Our nominated Governor for Safeguarding is:
Mrs L Bevan