Safeguarding

Safeguarding Curriculum

At Ludlow Junior School, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils are paramount. We are committed to delivering a robust safeguarding curriculum that aligns with the requirements outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 frameworks. This statement outlines how our safeguarding curriculum is effectively implemented, and the subsequent impact it has on our pupils

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Please familiarise yourself with the names and roles of our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy DSL, and Designated Safeguarding Lead Officers (DSLO):

DSL: Simon Watkins – executive headteacher – head@ludlowjunior.org.uk

DDSL team:

Debbie Rooke – School Business Manager – debbie.rooke@ ludlowjunior.org.uk
Emma Stevenson – Deputy Head – emma.stevenson@ ludlowjunior.org.uk
Vanessa Chandler – Deputy Head – vanessa.chandler@ ludlowjunior.org.uk
Gillie Hotston – Deputy Head – gillie.hotston@ ludlowjunior.org.uk
Maria Locke – Wellbeing and Family lead – maria.locke@ ludlowjunior.org.uk

Implementation

Curriculum Alignment
Our safeguarding curriculum is meticulously designed to comply with the guidelines and principles set forth in KCSIE 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 frameworks. The curriculum covers a range of safeguarding topics, including:

Recognising the signs of abuse/knowing about risks
Staying safe
Positive choices
Understanding consent
Promoting healthy relationships
Knowing who to talk to and how to discuss concerns
Developing awareness of self and others

We ensure that the curriculum remains dynamic, adapting to emerging trends, and addresses the challenges our pupils may face in a changing world – especially in our locality, online and in wider contexts

Staff Training and Development
All staff members undergo comprehensive, regular safeguarding training to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to:

Identify signs of abuse or neglect
Respond appropriately to disclosures
Follow established procedures for safeguarding concerns

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) receive enhanced, specialist training to effectively fulfil their responsibilities, as required by KCSIE 2024.

Engagement and Participation
Our safeguarding curriculum encourages active pupil participation, using diverse teaching methodologies such as:

Interactive discussions
Case studies/examples
Role-playing scenarios
Multimedia resources
Fun and innovative lessons
Tailored and personalised approaches

This approach is designed to meet the developmental needs of our pupils, ensuring they are actively involved in their learning and can fully engage with the content at developmentally compatible levels

Inclusivity and Diversity
We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our pupil body. Our safeguarding curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, ensuring that every pupil—regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, or ability—can engage with and benefit from safeguarding education. This includes:

Developing content that is culturally sensitive and relevant
Promoting a culture of equality, respect, and inclusion
Ensuring that it is aligned with our wider ‘No Outsiders’ work

Partnerships and Collaboration
We work closely with external agencies such as local authorities, child protection services, and non-profit organisations to enhance the safeguarding curriculum. These collaborations enable us to deliver workshops, counselling services, and specialist training that complement and strengthen our safeguarding initiatives.

Impact

Enhanced Awareness and Understanding
The implementation of our safeguarding curriculum has resulted in improved awareness and understanding of safeguarding issues among pupils, staff, and parents/guardians. Pupils are better equipped to:

Recognise signs of abuse or harm to themselves and others
Make safer choices and informed decisions
Feel safe in talking about their feelings and experiences
Know who to talk to and when
Understand their rights
Access the appropriate support services when needed
Feel supported, valued and safe

Empowered Pupils
Our curriculum empowers pupils by promoting resilience, assertiveness, and critical thinking. Pupils are encouraged to:

Set personal boundaries
Challenge inappropriate behaviour
Seek help from trusted adults or external agencies when needed
Feel that they have a voice

Positive Relationships and Communication
The safeguarding curriculum promotes positive relationships and encourages open communication within the school community. Pupils feel supported and comfortable discussing safeguarding concerns with:

Peers
Teachers
Parents/guardians
Other support networks

This helps foster a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

Integrated Safeguarding Culture
Safeguarding is integrated throughout all aspects of school life. Pupils receive consistent safeguarding messages and have multiple opportunities for reflection on these important topics. This holistic approach reinforces safeguarding principles and cultivates a whole-school culture of vigilance, support, and care. We pride ourselves on a tangible culture and ethos of care, safety by design, respect and pro-active approaches.

Responsive Support Systems
The curriculum has helped establish responsive support systems within the school. Pupils have access to:

Designated safeguarding leads (DSLs)
External agencies for support and guidance
Well trained and well informed teachers and support adults

This ensures that any safeguarding concerns are addressed promptly and effectively, providing pupils with the help they need when they need it.

By aligning our safeguarding curriculum with KCSIE 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, we have seen significant positive impacts on pupils' safety, well-being, and academic success. Through awareness, empowerment, positive relationships, and strong support systems, we create a safe and inclusive learning environment where every pupil can thrive.