Safeguarding

Safeguarding Statement

At Manuden Primary School, safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility.

We are committed to providing a safe, caring and supportive environment in which every child can learn, develop and thrive. We take seriously our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and expect all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.

Our safeguarding arrangements are informed by current statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, and by the procedures of the Essex Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Our Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mr Phil Molyneux – Headteacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)

Mrs Lizzie Grant – School Business Manager
Mr Josh Chesterman – Head of Teaching and Learning
Mrs Eve Reynolds – SENCO

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, please speak to a member of the safeguarding team as soon as possible.

Concerns can also be raised by contacting the school office or emailing office@manuden.essex.sch.uk.

How We Safeguard Children

At Manuden Primary School:

all staff read Part One of Keeping Children Safe in Education and follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection procedures;
staff receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training at induction, regular training thereafter and safeguarding updates throughout the year;
staff are expected to recognise, record and report safeguarding concerns promptly;
safeguarding concerns are recorded securely and information is shared appropriately when this is necessary to protect a child;
safer recruitment procedures and appropriate pre-employment checks are followed;
visitors and volunteers are managed in accordance with safeguarding requirements and school procedures;
pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe through the curriculum, including PSHE, relationships education and online safety;
attendance is monitored carefully and unexplained absence is followed up promptly;
staff understand their responsibilities in relation to online safety, filtering and monitoring; and
safeguarding is considered in all aspects of school life.

Concerned About a Child?

If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child, please contact the school and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.

You can also contact the Essex Children and Families Hub on:

0345 603 7627

The line is open:

Monday to Thursday: 8.45am–5.00pm
Friday: 8.45am–4.15pm

Outside these hours, at weekends and on bank holidays, contact the Emergency Duty Team on:

0345 606 1212

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999.

Concerns About an Adult Working in School

If you have a safeguarding concern about the behaviour of a member of staff, volunteer, contractor or other adult working with children at Manuden Primary School, please report this to the Headteacher.

If the concern relates to the Headteacher, it should be reported to the Chair of Governors, who can be contacted through the school office.

Concerns should be raised promptly so that the appropriate safeguarding procedures can be followed.

Photographs and Videos

At Manuden Primary School, we use photographs and videos carefully to celebrate children’s learning, achievements and school life while protecting their privacy and safety.

The school uses images in accordance with its safeguarding procedures, data protection requirements and consent arrangements.

At school events, parents and carers may be reminded of any restrictions on photography, filming or sharing images where this is necessary to safeguard children.

We ask families to respect the privacy of other children and not to share photographs or videos containing other pupils on social media without appropriate permission.

Key Safeguarding Information

School Policies

Statutory and Local Safeguarding Guidance

Help and Reporting