Safeguarding
Skelton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment. Links to these can be found below.
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies if and when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's safety and welfare.
We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism and are also part of Operation Encompass which ensures that children who witness domestic violence and abuse are supported.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Helen Newton.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads: Miss Erica Lockley and Miss Sophie Dobinson.
Governor with responsibility for safeguarding: Mr Mark Stanton
All staff and governors receive safeguarding training on an ongoing basis.
Our safeguarding team can be contacted at: safeguarding@skelton.cumbria.sch.uk
If you are a member of the public with a concern about a child please contact Westmorland and Furness Multi-agency Children's Hub on 0300 373 2724
email: safeguarding.hub@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Further information and support can be found at: Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern Outside School Hours
The safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026, safeguarding remains everyone's responsibility, and any concerns about a child's safety or welfare should be acted upon without delay.
During school hours, safeguarding concerns should be reported directly to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL (DDSL).
Outside of school hours, during weekends, school holidays or when the school is closed, parents, carers and members of the public who have an immediate safeguarding concern about a child should contact the appropriate agency directly:
- If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent protection, call 999.
- To report concerns about a child's welfare or safety, contact Westmorland and Furness Multi-agency Children's Hub on 0300 373 2724 or email: safeguarding.hub@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
- For concerns relating to criminal activity, contact the Police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency).
- If you are concerned that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, do not wait until the school reopens before seeking advice or making a referral.
If your concern is not urgent, you may email the school's safeguarding team at safeguarding@skelton.cumbria.sch.uk and your concern will be reviewed on the next working day.
Remember: if you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, always contact emergency services without delay.
