Safeguarding Our Children

We take our responsibility to safeguard both children and adults very seriously.

Woodland Primary school operates a rigorous and robust recruitment process that gathers evidence about candidates’ suitability to work with children as well as their suitability for the post at all stages in the recruitment process. High levels of vigilance are maintained through rigorous monitoring post appointment.

Our commitment to our children’s health, safety and welfare is high profile and is embedded in everyday practice at Woodland and is exemplified in our policies, procedures and processes, including those which address inappropriate behaviour.

The Governing body of Woodland Primary School supports the ethos of safeguarding children and also protecting the adults within our school.

To view our safeguarding and child protection policy, please click here.

To find out more about online safety advice, please visit our Online safety page here.

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead/SENCo – Miss Hannah Kirk

  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs Tamara Rutter

  • Headteacher – Mrs Michelle Dodson

  • Behaviour Support Assistant – Mr Daniel Shepherdson

  • SEN Specialist – Mrs Hilary Bohl

  • E-Safety Lead – Miss Katherine Sumpton


Key Staff

What to do if you have a concern about a child

If you have any concerns or would just like to discuss an issue with a member of staff, please speak to our Safeguarding and Wellbeing team:

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead – Hannah Kirk (Deputy Head)
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Tamara Rutter

To contact any of the team, please call school on 01482 787000

  • If your concern is urgent and there is an immediate risk of harm, then please contact the police on 999

  • In an emergency or for urgent advice, please contact the Early Help and Safeguarding Hub (EHASH) or the Emergency Duty Team by telephone –

    EHASH – 01482 448 879 option four

    Emergency Duty Team – 01482 300 304 (Out of hours)

Positive Environment: The school’s environment fosters respect and support among pupils and staff. Pupils are encouraged to develop good manners and social skills, contributing to a positive school culture.

Personal Development: Pupils are encouraged to be independent from an early age and take care in presenting their work. They enjoy participating in various clubs and activities, including sporting competitions and educational visits.

Quality of Education: Pupils receive strong support in learning to read quickly and achieving well. The curriculum is well-planned and effective, particularly in the early years and mathematics. Teachers and teaching assistants are well-trained and provide clear explanations and encouragement.

Leadership and Ambition: School leaders are noted for their ambition and effective work in improving the school. Their efforts have resulted in a good quality of education for the pupils.

Safeguarding: The school has effective safeguarding measures in place. Staff are well-informed and confident in identifying and addressing potential risks to pupils. Pupils are knowledgeable about staying safe, particularly online.

Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils exhibit respectful relationships with adults and move around the school sensibly. They are confident in seeking help from staff if needed, and bullying is rare. Pupils listen attentively to teachers and engage in class discussions.

Overall Effectiveness: The school was rated ‘Good’ in all categories, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

Support for SEND: Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified and well-supported, achieving good outcomes as a result.