Safeguarding

• Provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn and grow.
• Protect pupils from harm, neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
• Listen to the voices of our pupils and act in their best interests.
• Work closely with families and external agencies to ensure effective support.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 
Mrs Emma Sowersby
sowersby@readschool.co.uk
01757 618248
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Sally Warren
warren@readschool.co.uk
01757 618248

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Elizabeth Hepworth
hepworth@readschool.co.uk
01757 618248

In addition to the above Safeguarding Team, Read School also has two Safeguarding Governors:

Mrs Kim O’ Hara
kohara@readschool.co.ukMrs Ruth Medlock
rmedlock@readschool.co.ukAll staff and governors at Read School undergo safeguarding and child protection training on a regular basis throughout the year. Recent training has included KCSIE safeguarding updates, online safety training (including filtering and monitoring) and Prevent training.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the DSL immediately.

You can view our key safeguarding documents here:
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (PDF)
Online Safety Policy (PDF)
Anti-Bullying Policy (PDF)
School Transport Safeguarding Policy (PDF)
Safer Recruitment Policy (PDF)Keeping Children Safe in Education (Statutory Guidance)

Please note - the above documents are in the process of being updated in preparation for the new academic year and may not currently be available online. If you require any assistance prior to the start of the 2025/26 academic year, please contact sowersby@readschool.co.uk for further information.

It is the duty of Read School to ensure that every pupil in its care is safe, and the same principles apply to the digital world as apply to the real world. Online communications and technology provide opportunities for enhanced learning, but also pose great risks to young people. Our pupils are therefore taught how to stay safe in the online environment and how to mitigate risks, including but not limited to the risk of bullying, harassment, grooming, stalking, abuse and radicalisation and identity theft.

• Online safety is taught in Learning for Life (PSHE) lessons as well as IT lessons.
• Safer Internet Day is always a whole-school day of internet safety day and the next designated day is Tuesday, 10th February 2026.
• Online safety topics are frequently covered in assemblies and tutor group discussions.

Parents can find advice and resources via:

CEOP ThinkUKnowNSPCC Online Safety

If you are worried about a child, you can:

• Speak directly to our DSL or safeguarding team.
• Contact your local safeguarding children partnership
   

Where there are significant immediate concerns about the safety of a child, contact the police on 999.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By working together - parents, staff, pupils, and the wider community - we can ensure that every child at Read School feels safe, supported, and empowered.