Support for Families
SEND and Inclusion
Our SENCO is Miss Becki Culkin and can be contacted on
or by telephone on 01772 727053
Our SEN Governor is Mrs Lindsay Bevan
If you feel your child has a special educational need or disability, please don't hesitate to contact us. We aim to ensure children with a Special Educational Need or disability are well supported within our school to enable them to thrive and succeed.
SEND Policies
Cottam Primary School SEND Policy
Cottam Primary School SEND Information Report
Our Local Offer
Further Information and Support
Happy Maps
Find the best support, advice and information on young people's mental health, all in one place From preschool to young adults. For Parents, Young People and Professionals
Designated Clinical Officers (LCC)
Designated Clinical Officers (DCO) support NHS services to make sure they are meeting the needs of children and young people (aged 0-25 years) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
SEND Partnership Information
Break Time
SEND IAS
SEND FIND Newsletter
Information relating to Dyslexia
Supporting children with hearing impairment
Lancashire Local Offer
Lancashire Local Offer
Equality
We aim to provide the highest possible education for all children at Cottam Primary School.
The ethos of our school clearly reflects our commitment to fully including, respecting and supporting all members of our school community whatever their cultural background, belief, gender, race or disability.
We therefore:
do our best to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect;
make sure the school is a safe, secure and stimulating place for everyone;
recognise that people have different needs, and we understand that treating people equally does not always involve treating them all exactly the same;
recognise that for some pupils extra support is needed to help them to achieve and be successful;
do our best to make sure that people from different groups are consulted and involved in our decisions, for example through talking with pupils and parents and carers, and through our School Council.
there are clear procedures for dealing with prejudice-related bullying and incidents
To ensure access for pupils or parents with disabilities, the school has taken steps to improve access to all areas in line with Cottam Primary School equality, accessibility and SEND policies.
Break Time
Break Time provides fun group activities for children and young people aged 4-18 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), while their parents and carers have a short break from their caring role.
In order to access the service, parents and carers must register their child annually.
More information on the service, including the eligibility criteria and the registration form (when it opens), can be found at Break Time short break activities
There are a variety of short breaks on offer across Lancashire, some can be accessed directly, and others will require a Social Worker assessment. Short Breaks during the day, evening, overnights, and at weekends. These breaks may happen within:
Our short breaks include:
Weekend activity cubs
After school clubs and school holiday clubs
Overnight stays (in the home of an approved carer or in a residential unit/ Short Breaks setting)
Short Breaks support families because they help children and young people to:
take part in fun and enriching activities
develop their confidence
spend time with friends and make new ones
take part in activities in a safe and supported environment
achieve personal goals and learn new skills
get active and stay healthy
Short Breaks support you as parents and carers to:
feel better able to manage caring responsibilities/improve your emotional wellbeing
provide time to spend with your other children
give you the opportunity to complete other tasks you may not otherwise have time to or just to RECHARGE
have trust that your child is safe and being well supported by suitably trained staff
help you to achieve personal goals and learn new skills
allow the opportunity for you to meet other families that share similar experiences,
create opportunities for your child to enjoy new experiences and friendships
Pastoral Support
You can contact Natasha by email at
or telephone on (01772) 727053
Natasha Brown is our child and family wellbeing worker in school - she can provide a wide range of support for the children and families within our school.
Natasha is always willing to listen and sees things from everybody's point of view. She is good at understanding emotions and behaviours and helping us regulate and understand these.
Her work can lead her in many different directions offering support and guidance in different areas, including: friendship issues, bereavement and family needs and various different emotional support; the list is endless. This can be through group work or one-to-one support.
Natasha is the main point of contact for our families who might be in need of Early Help. We work with a number of outside agencies who help support some of the work we do with our children and families.
Please see below for further help and support within the Preston Area.
Safeguarding
At Cottam Primary School, safeguarding all children is the most important role we have. In order for children to be successful learners, they must feel safe and cared about; this is an area of our school that we are fortunate to have a number of very experienced staff working hard to achieve. At Cottam Primary School, safeguarding is everyone’s role; all staff play a vital role in ensuring this for all children. Our Safeguarding Governor is Mrs L Bevan.
Designated Safeguarding Leaders
At all schools, there must be a senior leader who is responsible for safeguarding called the Designated Safeguarding Leader. There must also be at least one person who is the Back-Up Safeguarding Lead. These members of staff must complete Level 4 and Level 5 training and complete refresher training every two years.
At our school, the following staff are the leaders for safeguarding:
Mrs Kellie Rainford, Headteacher, DSL
Miss Becki Culkin, Deputy Headteacher, Back-Up DSL
Mrs Cat Aspinall, SLT, Back-Up DSL
Mrs Natasha Brown, Child and Family Wellbeing Lead
Prevent
All schools must also have a member of staff who is the Prevent Lead. This person must complete the Prevent training and have a secure understanding of this area of safeguarding. At our school, Mrs Kellie Rainford, Headteacher, is the Prevent Lead.
Safer Recruitment
When recruiting new members of staff, at least one member of the interviewing committee must be Safer Recruitment trained. At our school, both Mrs Kellie Rainford, Headteacher and Mr Wayne Steel, Chair of Governors are safer recruitment trained.
Safeguarding Training
Each year, all of the staff we employ must take part in Level 1 and Level 2 Safeguarding Training which is delivered by the Headteacher/ LCC. They also receive any relevant documents relating to safeguarding including the annually updated Keeping Children Safe in Education Policy. Throughout the year, staff have regular opportunities to update their safeguarding knowledge and skills about specific areas of abuse/concern.
How we record Safeguarding Concerns
As a school, we record all safeguarding concerns using an electronic system called Child Protection and Safeguarding Management System known as CPOMs. This enables our school to maintain accurate records and share them, securely, with those responsible for safeguarding in our school.
Attendance
Good attendance at school ensures children make the best academic and social progress. To ensure good attendance for all children, we have specific procedures in place to ensure this is the case; this is part of our wider safeguarding work.
Safeguarding
School Safeguarding
Cottam Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the physical, mental and emotional welfare of every pupil. We implement a whole-school preventative approach to managing safeguarding concerns, ensuring that the wellbeing of pupils is at the forefront of all action taken. We recognise that no single professional can have a full picture of a child’s needs and circumstances. If children and families are to receive the right help at the right time, everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action.
School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 2024-25
Key Safeguarding Documents
Whistleblowing Policy
Early Help
Early Help
Early Help is a collection of services which respond as early as possible when a child, young person or family needs support. Early Help gives them access to services to meet their needs and working with them to ensure the support offered is right for them, is offered in the right place, and at the right time.
Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass
The purpose of Operation Encompass at Cottam Primary School is to safeguard and support children who have been involved in a domestic abuse incident. Following an incident at home, children will often arrive at school distressed, upset and unprepared for the day.
Operation Encompass has been developed so that by 9am on the next school day our Key Adult will be informed that a child at Cottam Primary School has been involved, heard or witnessed a domestic incident. This knowledge, given through Operation Encompass, allows the provision of immediate early intervention as appropriate to the child.
Mrs Rainford (Designated Safeguarding Lead) is the Key Adult for Operation Encompass and has been trained in the role.
Information Poster for Parents
Bright Sky
If you are concerned about domestic abuse, we know it can be hard to find support. That’s why Bright Sky was developed.
Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.
Bright Sky helps you to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond, and help someone find a safe route to support.
Bright Sky
Prevent Strategy
What is the Prevent strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we already do in our school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
These include:
Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity and tolerance
Challenging prejudices and racist comments
Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy.
We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils. We will carry out our Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Prevent relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy. British values include:
Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty and mutual respect
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. Our School will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others. We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
KEY TERMS
Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Ideology – a set of beliefs
Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause
Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism
Prevent Guidance Understanding more about gangs and preventing involvement
Prevent Guidance for Parents Understanding more about extremism
Online Safety
Pupils at Cottam Primary School have access to a range of online materials that enrich and extend teaching and learning opportunities. The benefits to teaching and learning are many and varied. Pupils will be given clear objectives for Internet use and will access material under guidance from their class teacher. Teachers will supervise pupils and take all reasonable precautions to ensure that users only access material appropriate to their learning.
Cottam pupils are taught to use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private. Pupils are taught to identify where to go for help and support, and when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.
We believe in working closely with our parents to support pupils in developing safe practice when using online technology.
National Online Safety
Cottam Primary School have shown our commitment to protecting our pupils online by working with National Online Safety- providing resources for all parents and carers.
The resources include Parents & Carers courses (presented by Myleene Klass), online video resources and weekly guides covering a huge range of topics, including:
Online Relationships
Fake Profiles & Social Bots
Online Bullying
Online Grooming
Child Sexual Exploitation
Sexual Harassment & Violence
Sexting
Live Streaming
Online Identity
Screen Addiction
Online Challenges
Overspending
Social Media Platforms
Online Gambling
Radicalisation, Terrorism & Extremism
Age Inappropriate Content
Copyright & Ownership
Hacking
Fake News
Online Fraud
Online Reputation
Personal Data
Pornography
Targeted Adverts & Pop-Ups
The Dark Web
Games & Trends
You can access National Online Safety online via any device- including via our brand-new smartphone app. To download the app, please go to:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/national-online-safety/id1530342372
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.nationaleducationgroup.nos
Alternatively, search for ‘National Online Safety’ in the App Store/Google Play Store.
Filtering and Monitoring at Cottam Primary School
The school uses a filtering system called Netsweeper which is provided via Lancashire County Council. This runs on all devices in school to ensure pupils can only access age-appropriate content online. This works differently dependant on the device:
Windows based devices
All Microsoft Windows based devices run the ‘Netsweeper WAgent’ detection software. This detects which user is currently logged in and applies the correct filtering level of content based on which group the user has been assigned. For example, when a staff member logs in to a device, they receive a slightly less restrictive profile (while still blocking unsafe content). A pupil who logs in to the same device however will have the highest level of filtering applied. This means the same device can safely be used by both staff and pupils, with filtering automatically adjusting based on the user.
iPads
As iPads are shared devices and not usually ‘signed in to’ by a user, we have a different method of tracking online content. For these we utilise a ‘captive portal’. When a user opens a web browser on an iPad, they are prompted to enter their Microsoft Windows username and password. Once authenticated, the correct filtering profile is applied (just like on a Windows device). This login lasts for around 45-60 minutes before requiring the user to re-enter their credentials. This is due to the nature of iPads being easily shareable, so enforcing re-authentication is a good way to ensure the current user can still be filtered effectively.
OnGuard and Reporting
In addition to web filtering, the school also uses Netsweeper OnGuard for safeguarding monitoring. This monitors activity across all applications on school devices rather than just web browsing. If certain high-risk words or phrases are typed (for example in a web-search, email, or document etc), all designated safeguarding staff are alerted immediately. These alerts provide information of the device, user and a screenshot of what the user was viewing at the time. At this juncture, safeguarding staff can make a decision on the intent of the alert and address it accordingly. The monitoring logs this data even if the device is offline, with information syncing once it reconnects. The policies also remain active if devices are used off-site.
Netsweeper provides weekly filtering reports which are sent to safeguarding leads for review. The filtering system is routinely checked against national safeguarding standards (including SWGfL guidance) to ensure it meets current UK online safety requirements for schools. In totality, the school provides a very robust and thorough filtering solution to ensure the safety of the pupils when using technology in school.
Further Information
Information for Families
Parent Guides
Useful Links
Internet Safety Test for Pupils and Parents
CEOP
News and articles surrounding internet safety
Think You Know
Great advice to keep children safe whilst using the internet.
Parent Information
Expert information to help children and young people stay safe online.
E-safety tips, advice and resources
Childnet International
Parents and Carers information to keep your child safe online.
Helpful advice and tools you can use to help keep your child safe whenever and wherever they go online.
Guidance
Bullying in the Digital World
First Digital Steps
Parental Controls Handout
Screen Time: Finding a Balance
Top Tips for Social Media
Positive Internet Use
Reporting Harmful Content
Keeping Safe On the Roads
The Think! "Safe Adventures" Campaign (launched April 2024)
Nationally the number of child pedestrian casualties doubles between the ages of 9 and 11, with incidents more likely to happen during drop-off and pick up times.
The Think! "Safe Adventures" campaign (launched April 2024) aimed at parents of pupils in KS2 has a focus on the top 3 risky behaviours.
Pedestrian failure to look / distraction (friends and mobiles)
Pedestrian careless, reckless or in a hurry
Safe place to cross (including parked cars and behind buses)
Parents are encouraged to have practice journeys and to model best practice and compliment the existing Green Cross Code (Stop, Look, Listen, Think.) with the positive message "Eyes up, Slow Down, Cross Safely"
‘EYES UP’ prompts children to put their phone away and look out for their friends and not distract them.
‘SLOW DOWN’ advises children to take care and don’t run across the road when traffic is coming even if you think there is time.
‘CROSS SAFELY’ reminds children to always find a safe place to cross, use a pedestrian crossing if there is one and choose a place where you can see clearly in all directions.
For further information please access:
Think! Safe Adventures
Link to the Highway Code guidance for pedestrians
Highway Code-Pedestrians crossing the road
Toolkit for Safe Adventures campaign link:
Safe Adventures Toolkit
StayWise
Our FREE online library is packed full of educational resources and activities from the UK’s leading emergency services and safety-focused organisations making it easy for you to find trusted materials that provide learning opportunities to help keep children safe.
StayWise
Everyone's Invited
Everyone's Invited is a safe place for survivors to share their stories completely anonymously.
The act of sharing their story with Everyone's Invited allows many survivors a sense of relief, catharsis, empowerment, and gives them a feeling of community and hope.
Staff and Parent Resource
NSPCC
Try our fun activities at home to help your kids understand they have the right to be safe – and that they can talk to you about anything.
We’ve come up with some fun activities for you to try with your children: keeping them busy and entertained at home while helping them to understand they can speak out about anything that worries them.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/safety/activities-safety-kids/
Water Safety
Drowning Prevention Week
Splash Safety
Child Safety Information
Child Safety: small hazards, big harm
OPSS is leading a fresh campaign to raise awareness among parents and carers about the potential dangers to children from swallowing small objects.
Family Lives
We build better family lives together
Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. If you need to talk, we're here to listen.
https://www.familylives.org.uk/
Railway Safety
During the last year Network rail have recorded a significant rise in reported incidents occurring on the railway lines involving young people in the Lancashire area.
Below are some useful resources to assist the conversation in staying safe.
https://learnliveuk.com/ks1-primary-school-safety-talk/
https://learnliveuk.com/network-rail-primary-school-safety-talk/
https://learnliveuk.com/rupee-sushi-travel-by-train/
https://learnliveuk.com/rupee-sushi-travel-by-train-bsl/
https://switchedonrailsafety.co.uk/
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/stories/educational-resources-for-children/
https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/railways/
Bonfire and Firework Safety
Heath & Wellbeing Support
Kooth: Parent / Carer Support
Money and Mental Health Support
Parental Mental Health Support
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is more than just another mental health app, it’s a gateway to recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with any mental health concern, we urge you to start with the Hub of Hope, to find the most relevant and readily available support near you, when you need it.
With more than 9000 local, regional, grassroots and national services currently listed, and that number growing each day, the Hub of Hope is the UK’s go-to mental health support signposting tool.
It includes a “Need Help Now” function which allows you to talk directly to Samaritans or access text message support via Crisis Text line.
You can access the Hub of Hope FREE online or download for FREE from the App Store or Play Store.
There is always help and there is ALWAYS hope.
Hub of Hope
NSPCC Support for Parents
Many parents with mental health problems are able to give their children safe and loving care, however sometimes parents and carers need additional support to help them care for their children.
Find out more about our services and resources to help you support the families you work or volunteer with.
NSPCC Support for Parents
Lancashire Positive Minds
Lancashire Positive Minds was founded in December 2019 by a parent with lived experience of supporting both her children with Mental Health and Neurodiverse needs. It was during a crisis situation that it was clear there was a gap in services for supporting parents and carers who are often at the forefront of caring responsibilities.
Whilst the children and young people are given access to services to support them, parents and carers often get unnoticed and left unsupported and unable to talk to friends and family for fear of judgement, criticism and burdening others with these difficulties.
SPOT - Eating Disorder Support
Positive Minds
Financial Support
Household Support Fund
Preston Household Support Fund
Smokefree
Smokefree Lancashire provides face-to-face smoking support across Lancashire
At Smokefree Lancashire, we prioritise your convenience and well-being. Our specialists are dedicated to meeting you where you are, quite literally. We offer services in various community settings across Lancashire, ensuring that you receive support in a location that suits you best But that's not all. We understand that your schedule may be busy, so we've gone the extra mile to provide evening and weekend access to our dedicated Change Grow Live hubs.
This means our experts can deliver interventions at times that work for you, making your journey towards a smokefree life as seamless as possible. Your health and happiness matter to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Children and Family Wellbeing Service
Children and Family Wellbeing Services Preston
Family Hub
Help in Preston
What is Help in Preston?
Help in Preston is a website for the whole community.
Connecting you to the help you need at the time you most need it.
The website brings together information from a wide range of services all based in Preston and available to you.
We hope this information will prove to be helpful for anyone living in Preston, who may want a direct and uncomplicated route to accessing key services, organisations and activities.
We also hope that it will become a key resource for organisations, supporting people who want to access services throughout Preston.
Help in Preston
0 - 5 Early Years Advice
Growing Together: Empowering Parents
Winter in Lancashire
Winter in Lancashire
HAF
Holidays, Activities and Food Programme
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) is a programme of free activities during the school holidays for eligible families.
This is funded by the Department for Education (DFE) and split into 4 days at spring, 16 days in summer and 4 days in winter.