We acknowledge our responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. We recognise our responsibility to protect children from maltreatment, prevent impairment of children’s health or development, ensure that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and take action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Autistic children share the right of all children to protection from abuse. We know that autistic children are potentially more vulnerable, because they may find it difficult to communicate with others, struggle with social interaction or have difficulties understanding people's motives, they may be less able to report abuse and thus be more vulnerable to it. This necessitates greater vigilance among professionals in recognising, reporting and investigating potential signs of abuse as well as ensuring that safeguarding issues remain on the agenda when working with autistic children and young people.

Our policy applies to all staff, volunteers and governors. It is acknowledged that the role of the governors will be a monitoring and supporting one whereas staff will be actively involved in the management of safeguarding and child protection issues on a daily basis.

If you have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact one of the designated safeguarding leads as quickly as possible. You will find the names of these members of staff below.

• Download our Safeguarding Policy
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022

Contact the safeguarding team

Email: office@thamesvalleyschool.org.uk

Please note: this email is only viewed between 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday-Friday. 

Children’s social care

Please visit the Brighter Futures for Children website for detailed information on how to report concerns. 

CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the Click CEOP button.

If you are experiencing online bullying or something else online has worried you please, speak to an adult you trust, or you can talk to Childline at any time on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.