Safeguarding
The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. At The Ridge Primary School, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, and we expect all staff, governors, volunteers, and visitors to share this commitment.
We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that all staff play a vital role in identifying concerns early and taking appropriate action to ensure children are safe.
Our Safeguarding Ethos
We aim to provide a safe, secure, and supportive environment where children feel valued, respected, and able to talk openly about their worries. We actively promote a culture of vigilance, where concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
Pupils are encouraged to:
- Feel confident in speaking to a trusted adult
- Understand how to keep themselves safe, including online
- Develop resilience and awareness of risks
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs are responsible for overseeing safeguarding and child protection procedures within the school. They ensure that all concerns are recorded, monitored, and acted upon in line with statutory guidance.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs C. Gilbert
- Deputy DSL(s): Mrs J. Hadley and Mrs K. Morley
- SENDCo: Mrs J. Briscoe
Safeguarding Policies
You can view all our safeguarding and other school policies using the below link.
Early Help
We recognise the importance of providing support as soon as a need is identified. Early Help is about working together with families to offer timely support before concerns escalate. We are committed to identifying any barriers to a child’s learning, wellbeing, or development at the earliest opportunity and putting appropriate support in place. This may involve working closely with parents and carers, as well as other professionals, to ensure families receive the right help at the right time. Our aim is to promote positive outcomes for all children by supporting their wellbeing, strengthening family relationships, and enabling every pupil to thrive both in school and beyond. If you would like to discuss Early Help or gain more information please contact Mrs Gilbert (DSL) or your local Family Hub.
E-Safety
E-Safety is an integral part of our curriculum, where children are taught how to stay safe online, recognise potential risks, and understand how to respond to concerns such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content. We promote a culture of openness, encouraging pupils to speak to a trusted adult if they feel worried or unsafe online. Through lessons, assemblies, and regular reminders, we help children develop the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world confidently. We also work in partnership with parents and carers to support safe technology use at home.
E-Safety Links:
Report any Safeguarding Concerns
You can report any safeguarding concerns or issues directly to us by contacting school on 01384 283703 and asking to speak to a DSL.
For out of school hours, you can contact the Dudley Children Services - Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) using the below details:
Contact Number (Working Hours): 0300 555 0050 (9am to 5pm)
Contact Number (Out of Hours): 0300 555 8574
Emergency Calls: For Emergency Calls, contact 999.