Merley First School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, both physical and emotional, of every pupil both inside and outside the school premises. 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 expect all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment. It is our willingness to work in a safe manner and challenge inappropriate behaviour that underpins this commitment.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Waldron and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Mrs Baldwin and Miss Stone. 

You can contact the Safeguarding Leads through the school office on 01202 888455.

Miss Stone

Mrs Baldwin

 

All members of our Safeguarding Team have had specialist training in Safeguarding and Child Protection. All staff at Merley First School are trained in Safeguarding Children, have regular Safeguarding training and understand their role in protecting children.

Kelly Overhill is the Safeguarding Officer for Initio Learning Trust koverhill@initiolearning.org 

The Lead Safeguarding Trustee for Initio Learning Trust is Richard Purchase.

Have a concern?

If you have a concern about a child, please contact the school and ask to speak with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or one of their deputies.

Safeguarding Concerns Outside of School Hours

At Merley First School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have a concern about the safety, health, or welfare of a child during evenings, weekends, or school holidays, please do not wait for the school to reopen.

Immediate Danger or Emergency

If a child or young person is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention:

• Call Emergency Services immediately on 999.

• To report non-urgent police matters, call 101.

 

If you are worried that a child is at risk of abuse, neglect, or serious harm, contact the relevant local social care team based on where the child lives:

 

For children living in Dorset Council area:

Dorset Council Out of Hours Service:

• Phone: 01305 221000 (For emergency social care concerns outside office hours)

For children living in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole (BCP):

Children's First Response Hub (Out of Hours / Emergency):

• Phone: 01202 738256

• Email: childrensoohs@bcpcouncil.gov.uk (Operational weekdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM, and 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays)

Dorset Children's Safeguarding Partnership

BCP Children's First Response MASH Family Information Directory