Safeguarding
King’s Court First School is fully committed to ensuring that all children and adults at risk are supported within a safe, secure, and nurturing environment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Our Guiding Principles
- Children should: feel safe, valued, and listened to.
- Adults should: act with vigilance — “think the unthinkable” — and always take action when concerned.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where every child is supported to achieve their full potential and a positive contribution to society.
We recognise both our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. Our school is a welcoming, vigilant environment where children feel respected and valued.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
- Safeguarding information is shared across the school, and children know who they can talk to if they have a concern.
- Pupils can also make disclosures using our CPOMS system.
- We understand that school can provide vital stability for children who may be experiencing difficulties or are at risk of harm.
- Staff are trained to recognise that children may respond in different ways, including withdrawn or challenging behaviour.
- We maintain a culture of openness, trust, and protection, ensuring children feel supported by trusted adults and peers.
All staff adopt the mindset of “it could happen here” and always act in the best interests of the child.
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
- Mrs Sue Pye-Beraet – Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Mrs Natasha Martin – Deputy DSL
- Mrs Lucy Johnson – Deputy DSL
- Mrs Trudie Horsburgh – Deputy DSL (Office)
- Mr Neil Dodds – Safeguarding Governor
If you have any concerns, please speak to one of the above members of staff.
Working with Parents and External Agencies
Where concerns arise, we may need to work in partnership with other agencies to protect a child’s welfare. We will usually discuss concerns with parents or carers first, unless doing so would place the child at greater risk.
Reporting a Concern
During Term Time
If you have a concern, please email:
office@kingscourtfirstschool.co.uk
Your concern will be passed to the DSL or Chair of Governors where appropriate.
During the School Holidays
Contact RBWM (Achieving for Children):
Email: MASH@achievingforchildren.org.uk
Telephone: 01628 683150
In an Emergency
Police: 999
Public Concerns
If you are worried about a child in the community, please contact Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) or follow NSPCC guidance
Safeguarding systems and Practice
All staff use CPOMS to record and report safeguarding concerns.
✔ All staff must have a login and record concerns promptly.
Bubble Box
Each class has a Bubble Box, allowing children to request a private 1:1 conversation with an adult about worries or concerns.
Calm Corners
We are an attachment-aware school using trauma-informed approaches and Zones of Regulation strategies. Every classroom has a Calm Corner to support emotional wellbeing, alongside our myHappymind programme.
Alert Cards
Each classroom has an alert system to request immediate support. In an emergency, a responsible child can take the alert card to another adult or the school office.
Hometime Procedures
Children are only released to known and authorised adults. If there is any uncertainty, staff will always check with the office or a DSL before allowing a child to leave.
Confidentiality
- Staff must not discuss children with other parents or carers.
- Confidentiality cannot be promised to a child making a disclosure.
- All concerns must be recorded and shared appropriately to keep children safe.
- Staff should avoid using the term “secret” and instead use “surprise.”
Key Safeguarding Message
Listen • Record • Report
Think the Unthinkable
Safeguarding Policy
Our Safeguarding Policy is available on the school website under:
About Us → Policies → Safeguarding
A printed copy is available from the school office upon request.
✅ Everyone is responsible for safeguarding.
If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of the safeguarding team immediately.