Working Together to Safeguard Children
Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures: -
At Astley Park School, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every child and young person is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential.
We recognise that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may experience additional vulnerabilities and can face barriers to communication, understanding and reporting concerns. Through strong relationships, skilled staff, effective safeguarding procedures and partnership working with families, we strive to ensure that every pupil receives the support and protection they need. Our safeguarding team works closely with families, health professionals, social care services, Lancashire Family Help Services and other partner agencies to promote positive outcomes for children and young people. Mrs Williams is our Parent Support Lead and DDSL who can help all families or anyone who is concerned or requires support.
The Authority requires the Designated Safeguarding Lead to report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse to Social Care including non-accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. Astley Park Schools Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy which is based upon the LA’s guidelines can be found below:
Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy 2026
Child Protection & Safeguarding
If you have any concerns about the safety, wellbeing or welfare of a child or young person, please contact our safeguarding team on 01257 262227:
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Miss Karen Wells
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)
· Mrs Denise Williams
· Miss Michelle Miller
· Mrs Dawn Mahood
Telephone: 01257 262227
No concern is too small. If you are worried about a child, please do not hesitate to contact school and speak to one of the team.
Our governor who is responsible for Safeguarding is Miss Amy Blundell and Miss Blundell can be reached via email using; blundella@astleypark.lancs.sch.uk
Safeguarding, Family Help and our Early Help Offer
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
We are committed to:
· Keeping children and young people safe from harm.
· Promoting physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
· Listening to and valuing ‘the voice’ of every child.
· Supporting pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence.
· Working in partnership with parents, carers and professionals.
· Identifying concerns early and responding promptly.
· Creating a culture where safeguarding is embedded in everything we do.
All members of staff receive regular safeguarding training and follow statutory guidance, local authority procedures and school policies to ensure pupils are protected and supported.
Safeguarding Children and Young People with SEND
Children and young people with SEND can be more vulnerable to abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, discrimination and online harm.
At Astley Park School, we recognise that:
· Some pupils may find it difficult to recognise when they are being harmed.
· Communication difficulties can make it harder for children to express worries or concerns.
· Behaviour changes may be an important indicator that a child needs support.
· Pupils may require additional support to understand personal safety, healthy relationships and online risks.
Our staff understand these additional vulnerabilities and are trained to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and work closely with families and other professionals to ensure pupils receive the right support.
Family Help and Early Help
Family Help and Early Help services are designed to provide support as soon as concerns emerge, helping families access the right support before difficulties become more serious.
Support may be available for:
· Emotional health and wellbeing
· Attendance and engagement in education
· Behaviour and routines
· Parenting support
· Family relationships
· Housing and financial concerns
· Accessing specialist services
· Physical and mental health needs
· SEND-related support
· Transition and life changes
Our aim is to work collaboratively with families, building on strengths and identifying support that will help children and young people thrive. Mrs Williams can be contacted by calling school on 01257 262227.
Mrs Williams is also our Early Help Lead Professional and is able to discuss the support required and co-ordinate a multi team response pulling together all the agencies required to help and support your family.
Supporting Families in a Specialist School Community
We recognise that caring for a child or young person with additional needs can bring both great rewards and unique challenges.
Families may be working with a range of professionals and services throughout their child's education. We aim to provide a coordinated and supportive approach, helping families navigate services and access support when needed.
This may include:
· Advice and guidance from our pastoral and safeguarding teams.
· Support during key transition periods.
· Signposting to community and specialist services.
· Access to emotional wellbeing support.
· Liaison with health professionals and therapists.
· Support with attendance, behaviour and engagement.
· Referrals to Lancashire Family Help services and other agencies.
We value the expertise of parents and carers and believe that the best outcomes are achieved when schools and families work together.
Every Child Matters
We believe every child has ‘a voice’ and has the right to be understood.
Many pupils at Astley Park communicate in different ways. Staff use a range of approaches to support communication, including:
· Makaton
· Visual supports and symbols
· PECS and AAC systems
· Objects of reference
· Communication passports
· Assistive technology
· Individualised communication strategies
By understanding each pupil's preferred method of communication, we can ensure their views, wishes and feelings are central to decisions that affect them.
Working with Lancashire Family Help Services
As part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities, we work closely with Lancashire's Family Help service, alongside health, social care and education professionals, to support children, young people and their families.
Where additional support would benefit a family, we may work with parents, carers and other professionals to complete a Family Help Assessment. This allows everyone involved to:
· Identify strengths and needs.
· Agree shared goals.
· Coordinate support effectively.
· Improve outcomes for children and families.
Families are fully involved throughout this process. Mrs Williams is our Lead Professional and can be contacted for a non judgemental and informative chat should you feel additional support is needed.
Preparing for Adulthood and Independence
Safeguarding extends beyond protecting children from harm. It also involves helping young people develop the skills needed to stay safe as they grow and become more independent.
Through our curriculum and wider school experiences, pupils are supported to develop:
· Personal safety awareness.
· Online safety knowledge.
· Communication and self-advocacy skills.
· Healthy relationships understanding.
· Independence and life skills.
· Community awareness.
· Preparation for adulthood.
We aim to equip our young people with the confidence and skills they need to participate safely and successfully in their community long after their time with us has passed.
Useful Links
· Lancashire Family Hubs https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/lancashire-family-hubs-network/
· Lancashire Family Help and Early Help Services https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-and-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-local-offer/getting-help/assessment-and-support/the-early-help-assessment-and-plan/
· Lancashire Safeguarding Children Partnership https://lancashiresafeguardingpartnership.org.uk/safeguarding-children
· SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS) https://lancssendias.org.uk/
· NHS Child and Family Wellbeing Services https://lancschildandfamily.co.uk/children-and-family-wellbeing-service/
Useful Guidance
· Working together to safeguard children
· Working well with children and families guidance
· KCSIE 2026
Keeping Children Safe In Education 2026
Working Together To Safeguard Children 2026