Safeguarding Information
Our dedicated Safeguarding team:
Mrs Tania Watts, Head Teacher is our Designated Safeguarding Lead
Telephone: 01536790506; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mrs Tessa Litchfield, SENDCO is our Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Joanne Ellingworth, Teacher, Deputy DSL
Mrs Kate Boniface-Allen (Chair of Governors) is our Safeguarding Governor
Mrs Denise Maud is our Safeguarding Governor
Safeguaring children is of paramount importance to us here at Pytchley School. We believe that "all children have the right to feel safe all of the time" and that if for any reason that is compromised, they "have the right to speak to someone about it, even if it feels awful or small". These two beliefs are the firm foundation of our curriculum at school and are derived from a programme we deliver called protective behaviours.
Concerns about children can be raised through a variety of different ways. It may be that the child tells an adult something that the adult feels the child needs support in managing. It may be that an adult observes unusual behaviour from a child that, again, may indicate they require support.
If a concern is raised about your child, in most cases we inform you of this. In most cases, this allows the concern to be dealt with in an appropriate way. Sometimes, families require our support in addressing some difficulties and we are more than happy to provide this. With the families agreement, our SENCO Mrs Tessa Litchfield carries out an Early Help Assessment to fully appreciate the challenges within the family. As a result of this assessment, other agencies may be accessed in order to find the best support available.
In a few cases, we may feel that a referral to children's services may be required, if the concern is not addressed quickly enough or it is a concern that the school does not have capacity to support. In most cases you will be made aware of this referral. However, if we deem that sharing that informatoin with you puts the child at further risk then we may referr without informing you.
At times we may need to seek advice from outside agencies as to how best to support you and your family. Please see our school safeguarding policy on the information page on this website.
For further information, please see our Safeguarding Children policy.
Finally may we remind parents to speak to us if you are worried at the earliest convenience. If you are worried about a child outside of school time you can call the local Multi Agency Support Hub for advice (anonymously if needs be) on 0300 126 1000 or follow the following links to these useful websites: Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Board and Young Northants (designed specifically for children aged 13+).
NSPCC Pants
Another useful resource that is available free of charge is from the NSPCC. The NSPCCs "Let's talk pants" campaign is designed to teach children that the parts of your body that are covered by your underwear are private. We use this resource in school,along with their teacher support pack to ensure children hear these messages. However, you can also speak to your children about this important subject and the NSPCC have produced some guides to help you. Please follow these links to access the support pages:
There are also guides available for children:
Follow this link to find the video for keeping deaf children safe.
The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
The MASH can advise on whether a family needs early help or whether they meet the threshold for statutory child protection.
Telephone: 0300 126 7000
Email (secure address): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Reporting a Concern
Click here to report a concern about a child - If it is an emergency and you think a child may be in immediate danger please contact the emergency services directly by calling 999. Non-emergencies: if it is not an emergency, you should report a concern about a child to Northamptonshire Children's Trust. Whether you are a child, parent, carer or professional, the Trust's website offers important guidance and explains how the reporting process works.
The Early Help Support Service
The Early Help Support Service is for those working with children and families. They provide information, advice or guidance around:
- Early Help Assessment
- Support to create a team around the family meeting (including finding out what other agencies may be involved with the child or family you are supporting)
- Access to services, interventions and training.
Telephone: 0300 126 3000
Click below for the link to:
Contact Early Help Support or the MASH - Help and protection for children (nctrust.co.uk)
Also view information online: North Northants: https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/children-and-families
Online Safety Magazine : Ditto