Safeguarding

At Thorn Grove Primary School, the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priority. We believe that every child has the right to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment, and we are fully committed to safeguarding practices that protect and support all of our children. Our approach to safeguarding is rooted in vigilance, open communication, and partnership with parents and guardians. For more details refer to our Safeguarding Policy.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Miss Vose, who can be reached directly for any safeguarding concerns or queries. She is supported by Miss Brierley and Mrs Arnold who assist in ensuring safeguarding measures are fully implemented across the school.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

Our school is dedicated to:

• Providing a Safe Environment: We create a warm and secure atmosphere that encourages students to feel safe, supported, and valued. All of our staff receive regular training on safeguarding protocols and procedures.

• Promoting Well-being: Safeguarding is not only about physical safety but also the emotional and mental well-being of our students. We work to cultivate a positive school culture where children can express themselves and access support whenever needed.

• Identifying and Responding to Concerns: Staff members are trained to recognise the signs of abuse, neglect, and other forms of harm. We have established procedures for promptly reporting any concerns to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), who ensures appropriate action is taken.

• Collaboration with Families and Authorities: Effective safeguarding relies on a team approach. We maintain open lines of communication with families and work closely with external agencies, including local authorities and child protection organisations, to safeguard our students.

What is Early Help?

Early Help is a collaborative, preventive approach aimed at addressing issues before they escalate. School, with services such as school nursing, social care, family support workers and specialist professionals, work together with families to create positive outcomes for their children’s well-being and development. Early Help services are available to all families, regardless of the nature or complexity of the support needed, and can be accessed at any time throughout your child’s journey at Thorn Grove.

How We Can Support You

Early Help services cover a broad range of areas to assist families in overcoming challenges and building a supportive environment for their children. Some of the areas in which the school and it's partners can offer support include:

• Financial Support: Guidance on accessing financial assistance and benefits, budgeting help, and resources to manage financial pressures.

• Housing Support: Assistance with housing challenges, including referrals to local housing services and advice on accessing safe, suitable accommodations.

• Parenting Support: Resources and guidance on positive parenting strategies, from managing routines to nurturing family relationships.

• Behavioural Support: Support for managing behavioural challenges, helping parents address their child’s unique needs and promoting positive behaviour at home and school.

• Sleep Routines Support: Advice on establishing healthy sleep routines to support your child’s physical and emotional well-being.

• And More: Stockport's Early Help team can provide resources and referrals in areas such as health, mental well-being, educational support, and much more.

How to Access Early Help

If you feel your family could benefit from Early Help, we encourage you to reach out to our Designated Safeguarding Lead - Miss Vose - who is available to discuss your specific needs and connect you with the appropriate resources. We understand that each family’s situation is unique, and our approach is always confidential, compassionate, and tailored to individual needs.

To learn more about Early Help or to make an appointment with Miss Vose please contact our main office, or email headteacher@tgps.uk

Working Together for Family Well-being

At Thorn Grove, we believe that supporting families is central to helping children flourish. We are here to work alongside you every step of the way, offering resources, advice, and a listening ear. Thank you for partnering with us to create a positive, supportive environment for all our children.

How You Can Help

Safeguarding is most effective when we work together. Here are some ways parents and guardians can contribute to our shared goal of safety and well-being:

• Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with our school’s safeguarding policies and discuss them with your child.

• Open Communication: Encourage your child to speak up if something feels wrong, and remind them that there are trusted adults at school ready to listen and help.

• Be Aware Online: In a digital age, online safety is essential. Keep track of your child’s online activities and help them develop good digital habits. Our online safety resources offer additional guidance for families.

• Report Concerns: If you ever have a safeguarding concern about your child or any other child at Thorn Grove, please don’t hesitate to contact our DSL or any member of staff.

Our Commitment to the Prevent Agenda

As part of our safeguarding commitment, Thorn Grove Primary School actively upholds the principles of the Prevent Agenda, a government-led initiative aimed at preventing children and young people from being drawn into extremism and radicalization. We recognize the importance of creating an environment where students feel safe, respected, and open to exploring diverse viewpoints, while also being able to identify and resist harmful ideologies. Our staff receive regular training on the Prevent Agenda, enabling them to recognize signs of vulnerability and engage in early intervention when necessary. We also work closely with parents, carers, and community partners to provide a united approach to safeguarding, fostering resilience in our students, and promoting the values of tolerance, respect, and understanding.

Reporting Concerns

If you have any concerns regarding a child’s welfare or safety, we urge you to contact our safeguarding team immediately by emailing headteacher@tgps.uk or phoning the school office.

If a child is at immediate risk of harm call the police on 999. If you're a member of the public who has a concern about a child’s welfare, you can also contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub (MASSH) in Stockport on 0161 217 6028 & Select option 1. If you're a parent or carer seeking support for your child, call 0161 217 6028 & Select option 2.