Woodlands Nursery recognises that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult helps all children, and especially those at risk of, or suffering from, abuse.

At Woodlands, we have:

• An ethos where staff are trained to ensure children feel secure and safe. Children are listened to and supported through our nurturing approach. This is evidenced every day through our values.
• Ensured staff are trained to the highest degree possible to be vigilant, and knowledgeable and skilled in recognising safeguarding concerns.
• Included in the nursery curriculum are activities and opportunities to support children in staying safe and well.
• Ensure that, wherever possible, every effort will be made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies.

Our safeguarding policies are updated annually and can be found under our policy section.

The Safeguarding Team

Woodlands takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously.

All staff at the nursery receive annual child protection and safeguarding training and are aware of the processes to report concerns about children.

If any members of the nursery, school or local community have concerns about the welfare of a child, they can pass it onto the Safeguarding Team here at Woodlands.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Woodlands is Janice Welch, Nursery Manager. She is responsible for receiving and acting upon concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children. In her absence, the individuals below can also be contacted for support:

• Miss Lucy Redfern (Deputy Nursery Manager)

Additionally, staff at the school are also available to support:

• Miss Hannah Collier (Headteacher)
• Miss Gemma Maxwell (Trust Early Years Strategic Lead)
• Miss Bethan Stacy (Assistant Headteacher)
• Mrs Georgina Turnbull (Phase Leader)

The safeguarding governor for the school is:

• Jasmine Riches.

Strategic Safeguarding Leads for The Oak Partnership Trust are:

• Mrs Louisa Blackmore
• Mr Barney Rycroft

You can speak to the safeguarding team in person by phoning the nursery and requesting a call back or you can email safeguarding@ruishton.oak.education OR woodlandsadmin@ruishton.oak.education with FAO Woodlands DSL in the title. You can also report a safeguarding concern online:

If you are worried about a child or young person who could be in danger please contact:

• Children’s Social Care on 0300 123 2224
• by email at childrens@somerset.gov.uk
• or the police

You can contact the police directly by dialling 101, and they will discuss with Children’s Social Care what action should be taken. In an emergency, always contact the police by dialling 999.

If you would like to speak to a social worker outside of office hours, please phone the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0300 123 23 27