At Woodfield School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every pupil feels safe, respected and supported, and that they are protected from harm.

All staff share responsibility for safeguarding and are trained to recognise, respond to and report concerns. We work closely with families and external agencies to identify risks early and provide coordinated support, particularly for pupils with additional SEND vulnerabilities.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

At Woodfield School, we create a community of safe, happy and successful learners, where every pupil is valued, understood and supported to achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding underpins all aspects of school life. As a specialist SEND secondary school within the Compass Learning Partnership, we recognise that many of our pupils may be more vulnerable to risk. This means safeguarding requires thoughtful, consistent and highly attentive practice from every adult.

Our approach is child‑centred and proactive. We focus on:

• Early identification of concerns
• Strong relationships with pupils
• Effective information sharing
• Working closely with external agencies

We are committed to ensuring that:

• Every pupil feels safe, respected and supported
• All pupils are protected from harm
• Staff are fully trained and vigilant
• Concerns are acted on quickly and appropriately

SEND and Safeguarding

Many of our pupils experience additional vulnerabilities linked to their needs. These may include:

• Communication difficulties that make it harder to express distress
• Limited understanding of risk
• Sensory processing differences resulting in anxiety or distress
• Dependency on adults for care and support
• Difficulties recognising unsafe relationships
• Challenges with emotional regulation
• Behaviour as communication — where changes may indicate distress or unmet need

All staff are trained to recognise these indicators. We remain alert to even subtle changes in behaviour or presentation and take timely action where concerns arise.

Online Safety and Emerging Risks

We recognise that safeguarding risks continue to evolve. At Woodfield, we actively address:

• Online safety and digital risks
• Bullying and peer-on-peer harm
• Exploitation and coercion
• Mental health concerns, including self-harm

We ensure pupils are taught how to stay safe, both in school and online, and that staff remain vigilant to emerging risks, including those linked to technology.

Working in Partnership with Families

Safeguarding is strongest when school and home work together.

We are committed to open, proactive communication with parents and carers so that concerns can be identified early and support can be coordinated effectively.

We maintain communication through:

• Coffee mornings
• Parents’ evenings
• Ongoing contact with staff
• Support from the Parent Liaison Officer where appropriate

We recognise parents and carers as essential partners in safeguarding, helping us build a full picture of each child’s needs.

Report a Safeguarding Concern

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact the school immediately.

Email: WF-Office@compasslp.co.uk

All safeguarding concerns are treated seriously and will be responded to promptly by the safeguarding team.

If a child is in immediate danger, please contact the emergency services.

Safeguarding Team

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Kaaran Prime
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Deborah Wood
• Parent Liaison/Safeguarding Officer: Patsy Hudson

The safeguarding team is responsible for coordinating support, making referrals and working with external agencies to ensure pupils are safe.

Safeguarding Policies

Our safeguarding practice is guided by national statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.

You can view the Compass Learning Partnership safeguarding and related policies here: Trust Policies - Compass Learning Partnership