Child Protection

Mr Gavin Groves Assistant Head is the designated Child Protection Officer supported by Mrs Causero Attendance and Wellbeing Officer as well as member of the Senior Leadership Team. Staff are fully briefed on the procedures to be undertaken in the event of a disclosure. Written guidance has also been distributed to all staff and will regularly be updated when appropriate. Staff are also encouraged to discuss areas of concern or doubt with SLT or relevant officers.

Ferndale Community School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school. All RCT schools, including Ferndale Community School, follow the RCT Safeguarding Children procedures which are reviewed annually. The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their children. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents.

We also recognise visitors to the school may see or hear something that may concern them and for this reason we also encourage them to share any concerns with the school following our procedures. The images below are shared with visitors and form part of the visitors badge when signing in at the school.

In addition to school based staff and visitors information, our Governors are briefed and trained on Safeguarding.

Additional Information

You will find below additional links and information to external websites which may be of use to you.  Please feel free to contact the school if you would like to see any additional useful links included on our Safeguarding page.

Safeguarding Information for Parents can be found at:

Safeguarding Information for Pupils can be found at:

Information on how to handle issues of self-harm and thoughts of suicide:

Pupil information at school:

The poster on the right forms part of our information sharing and help for students.  These poster are located throughout the school and encourage pupils to KEEP SAFE and TELL SOMEONE.  They also inform the pupils:

  • How to stay safe;
  • What bullying is and feels like; and also
  • Advice regarding E-Safety.

We are in the process of developing further information on E-Safety however pupils are regularly reminded and taught how to keep safe. You can find further information on many websites of which some are listed above.

Recommended reading:

Online Gaming Privacy and Safety