At Checkendon CE Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a school where every child feels safe, valued, listened to and supported, and where every adult understands their responsibility to protect children and promote their wellbeing.

We know our pupils well and work hard to create an environment where children feel confident to speak to a trusted adult if something is worrying them. Our strong relationships with pupils and families are central to this.

Our approach to safeguarding was recognised during our Ofsted inspection in November 2025. Inspectors confirmed that safeguarding standards were met and found that leaders had established “an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.” They concluded that, as a result, “pupils are made safer and feel safe.”

Inspectors also found that pupils “feel safe”, that staff are “alert and responsive to any worries”, and that pupils know they are listened to and that concerns are dealt with quickly.

Our safeguarding commitment

Our Governing Body takes seriously its statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Our safeguarding arrangements are underpinned by:

• Section 11 of the Children Act 2004
• Section 175 of the Education Act 2002
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 — current until 31 August 2026
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 — from 1 September 2026

We work closely with pupils, parents and carers, the local authority, the Diocese and other professionals and agencies to identify concerns early, provide appropriate support and take prompt action when necessary.

Keeping children safe

Our safeguarding culture is embedded in everyday school life. We:

• provide regular safeguarding training and updates for all staff and governors;
• follow robust safer recruitment procedures;
• regularly review our safeguarding policies and procedures;
• listen carefully to children and provide trusted adults they can talk to;
• teach children how to recognise risks and keep themselves safe, including online;
• promote kindness, respect, inclusion and positive relationships;
• provide pastoral support to help children understand and manage their emotions;
• work closely with families and external professionals when additional support is needed; and
• carefully record, monitor and respond to safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding is not something that sits separately from education at Checkendon. It is part of the culture of our school and is reflected in the way we care for, teach and support our children every day.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mrs Sarah Hillier
Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mrs Dawn Cox

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Mrs Holly Wrankmore
Safeguarding Governor

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child at Checkendon CE Primary School, please contact the school office:

Email: office.3801@checkendon.oxon.sch.uk
Telephone: 01491 680693

If you are worried about a child's safety, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would always rather hear about a concern and be able to offer support.

Click here for out of hours contact details

Safeguarding documents

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Online safety statement

Information

For the latest statutory safeguarding guidance, please visit:

Keeping Children Safe in Education – Department for Education

Working Together to Safeguard Children – Department for Education

Section 11 of the Children Act 2004

Section 175 of the Education Act 2002