At Pitcheroak, safeguarding is given the utmost priority. We recognise the challenges that can be faced in keeping children safe and particularly the pupils that attend our school who may be especially vulnerable due to their special educational needs and disabilities.

As part of the school’s commitment to safeguarding, rigorous Safer Recruitment procedures are adhered to in order to deter, reject or identify people who seek contact with children with the intention of abusing them.

We see safeguarding as a shared role, working alongside parents/ carers. We acknowledge the wide and varied aspects of safeguarding and aim to make available, relevant and up to date information to equip staff, parents/ carers and pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond appropriately and ensure pupils stay safe.

Pitcheroak School is part of the national project, Operation Encompass, which is run locally in partnership with Worcestershire Children First and West Mercia Police. Operation Encompass is a process whereby the police and county council inform a member of school staff, prior to the start of the next school day, where a child or young person has experienced a domestic incident. This sharing of information between professional agencies allows school staff to provide emotional and practical support to their pupils as necessary. For further information please speak to the Headteacher or Designated Safeguarding Lead.

If you have an immediate Child Protection concern please call 999.

If you are concerned about a child or would like advice about safeguarding, please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads:

• Mrs Trish Baker
• Ms Sheila Holden
• Mrs Holly Townsend
• Mrs Jo Hooper

If you are unable to speak to a DSL or remain concerned, please contact the relevant local authority’s safeguarding team:

If you would like to see our safeguarding policies, please refer to the ‘Statutory Information’ section of this website (Policies and Documents).