Safeguarding

We take our statutory responsibilities seriously and follow the guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). All staff, governors, and volunteers receive regular safeguarding training and understand their duty to protect children from harm.

We will do this through:

• Providing a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn and grow.
• Protecting pupils from harm, neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
• Listening to the voices of our pupils and acting in their best interests.
• Working 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

Safeguarding Governors

The Safeguarding Governor plays a vital role in overseeing the school’s safeguarding arrangements, ensuring that policies and procedures are robust, compliant, and effectively implemented. They act as a critical friend to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, regularly reviewing safeguarding practices, monitoring training, and helping to ensure that pupil welfare remains a top priority across the school.

Mrs Kim O’ Hara
kohara@readschool.co.uk

Dr 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 below:

If you require a printed copy or an accessible format, please contact the school office.

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.

We educate pupils about online safety, including but not limited to online 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 a whole-school day of internet safety.
• Online safety topics are frequently covered in assemblies and tutor group discussions.

Parents can find advice and resources via:

CEOP ThinkUKnowNSPCC Online SafetyInternet Matters

We encourage anyone — pupils, parents, staff, or visitors — to report concerns without delay.

If you are worried about a child, you can:

• Speak directly to our DSL or safeguarding team.
• Email your concern confidentially to sowersby@readschool.co.uk
•  Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) at North Yorkshire Council on 01609 533080.
• Contact your local safeguarding children partnership
   

In an emergency or if a child is at immediate risk, call 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.

We welcome feedback on our safeguarding provision. If you have suggestions or concerns, please
contact the DSL or Headteacher.