Safeguarding

Safeguarding Information for Parents

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Aycliffe Drive Primary School we are fully committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child in our care. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to create a safe and supportive environment.

What Is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means:

• Protecting children from harm, abuse, and neglect
• Ensuring children are safe, cared for, and able to thrive
• Promoting children’s physical and emotional wellbeing
• Ensuring safe recruitment practices for staff and volunteers

Key Safeguarding Staff

Members of our safeguarding team have completed the following training courses - Level3 Designated Lead, Prevent, Safer Recruitment, Domestic Violence, Operation Encompass and Online Safety. 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Miss Katie Fitzsimmons

Role: Assistant Headteacher, SENCo, DSL

Contact email for DSL and DDSL - safeguarding@aycliffedrive.herts.sch.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:
Mrs Katie Atkinson

Role: Headteacher, Overall Safeguarding Lead, DDSL

Mrs Gemma Long

Role: Assistant Headteacher, DDSL, Designated Teacher for CLA

Miss Helen Rumph

Role: Mental Health Lead, DDSL, Prevent Lead Trainer

These staff members are trained to deal with safeguarding concerns and are available to offer support.

Safeguarding Governor:

Mr Steve Preston

If You Have a Concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child:

1. Contact the school’s DSL or Deputy DSL immediately
2. Speak to any trusted member of staff
3. In an emergency, contact:
• Police: 999
• Local Safeguarding Team: 0300 1234 4043

All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

How We Keep Children Safe

We ensure safety through:

• A vigorous Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
• Thorough safer recruitment checks for staff and volunteers
• Regular training for all staff
• Clear procedures for managing concerns and disclosures
• Online safety education and monitoring
• Secure school premises and visitor procedures

Parents can view read our policies here. Parents can also request a copy from the school office.

Online Safety

To help keep children safe online, we:

• Teach digital safety as part of our curriculum
• Use filtering and monitoring systems on school devices

Helpful advice for parents is available at:

• NSPCC Online Safety

Support for Families

We work with families to offer early help when needed. If you are struggling with anything—attendance, behaviour, wellbeing, or family challenges—please speak to us. We are here to help.

Report a Concern Online

You can also report online safety concerns directly to:

• CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)

Operation Encompass 

Aycliffe Drive Primary School is part of Operation Encompass. Operation Encompass is a national Police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people who experience Domestic Violence and Abuse, and which is in place in every Police force in England and Wales.