Safeguarding at Oakbridge Federation

Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility

At Oakbridge Federation, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of our children is at the centre of what we do.

Our two schools, Forster Park Primary School and Rangefield Primary School, work closely together to make sure that children feel safe, listened to and supported. We want every child to know that there are adults in school they can talk to and trust.

All members of our staff have a responsibility to help keep children safe. We make sure that staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand how to recognise and respond to concerns about a child's welfare.

We also work closely with parents, carers and other professionals when additional support is needed.

Our Safeguarding Team

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) oversee safeguarding across our schools.

Rangefield Primary School

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Michelle Fenniche

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)
Liz Smith
Lucie Bodington
Anna Anderson

Forster Park Primary School

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Andy Bond

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)
Liz Smith
Ruth Osborne
Anna Anderson

Liz Smith and Anna Anderson have safeguarding responsibilities across both schools and support the wider Oakbridge Federation safeguarding team.

If you have a concern about a child's safety or wellbeing, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team.

Safeguarding email:

Forster Park Primary School - safeguarding@oakbridgefederation.co.uk

Rangefield Primary School - safeguarding@rangefield.lewisham.sch.uk

Working with Families

We believe that children are best supported when schools and families work together.

If we have a concern about a child's welfare, we will usually talk to their parent or carer and work together to understand what is happening and what support may be helpful.

There are, however, some situations where we may need to speak to another professional or share information without speaking to a parent or carer first. This would only be where we believe that sharing information is necessary to protect a child or that informing the family could place the child at greater risk.

Our aim is always to make sure that children and families receive the right support at the right time.

If you are worried about a child

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please don't wait to see if things improve. You can speak to a member of our safeguarding team or contact the appropriate service directly.

If a child or young person under 18 who lives in Lewisham may be experiencing abuse, neglect or is at risk of harm, you can contact the Lewisham Families First Contact Point (FFCP).

Not every concern will result in a child protection investigation. Depending on the circumstances, a family may instead be offered advice, an assessment, early help or support from other services.

Lewisham Families First Contact Point

Telephone: 020 8314 6660
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

Email: MashAgency@lewisham.gov.uk

Outside these hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team:

020 8314 6000

Ask to speak to the out-of-hours duty social worker.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

For further information, visit the Lewisham Safeguarding Children Partnership – Families First Contact Point.

The Prevent Duty

Part of keeping children safe is helping them to understand the world around them and develop the confidence and critical thinking skills to make safe choices.

Schools have a legal responsibility under the Prevent Duty to help protect children and young people from the risk of being drawn into terrorism or extremist activity.

At Oakbridge Federation, we promote respect, tolerance and understanding. We give children opportunities to talk about their experiences, ask questions and learn about staying safe.

Our staff receive appropriate training so that they can recognise concerns and know how to respond.

If you are concerned that someone may be at risk of being drawn into extremism or terrorism, you can speak to a member of our safeguarding team or contact the national Prevent advice line.

Prevent advice line: 0800 011 3764

If there is an immediate risk of harm or an emergency, call 999.

Keeping Children Safe Online

Technology is an important part of children's lives. Alongside the many positive opportunities it provides, there are also risks that children and families need to be aware of.

We help children learn how to use technology safely and responsibly, and encourage parents and carers to talk openly with their children about what they are doing online.

There are some excellent organisations offering advice and support to families.

Useful websites for families

Childline
Support and advice for children and young people about friendships, feelings, bullying, abuse and staying safe.
Visit Childline

NSPCC
Advice for parents and carers about keeping children safe, including online safety, mental health and protecting children from abuse.
Visit the NSPCC

NSPCC Talk PANTS
A simple, child-friendly way to start conversations with children about staying safe from sexual abuse.
Find out about Talk PANTS

UK Safer Internet Centre
Practical advice and resources to help families support children to use the internet safely, positively and responsibly.
Visit the UK Safer Internet Centre

We are here to listen

Sometimes children may not know how to explain that something is worrying them. Sometimes a change in behaviour, attendance, friendships or emotions may tell us that a child needs some extra support.

We encourage children to talk to a trusted adult and we encourage families to speak to us if they have a concern — even if they are unsure whether it is something the school can help with.

We will always listen, take concerns seriously and consider what support may be needed.

If you are worried, please talk to us.

Our safeguarding team is here to help.