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Safeguarding in School

Our Responsibilities for Keeping Children Safe

At Barrowcliff School, safeguarding is a fundamental part of our work. As parents and carers, it is important that you know from the beginning that we have both a legal duty and a moral responsibility to protect every child in our care. This means that we always follow national and local safeguarding guidance, and we will take whatever action is necessary to ensure children are safe, supported and able to thrive.

If a child ever shares something that suggests they are at risk of harm, or if we have concerns about their welfare, we are required to act immediately. This includes working closely with external agencies—such as Children’s Social Care, Early Help and the police—so that the right steps can be taken quickly. These actions may take place even if they feel difficult, but they are always taken with children’s safety as the highest priority.

By choosing Barrowcliff School, you are placing your trust in us to care for your child’s wellbeing. We take this responsibility extremely seriously and are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and emotionally healthy environment for all pupils.

Our Safeguarding Team

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mr Mark Rogers (Headteacher), supported by our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs), Mrs Bridget Marshall (SENCO), and Mrs Andrea Dixon (Acting Deputy Headteacher), and our Governor Safeguarding Lead Mr Steve Machen.


This team is responsible for overseeing all safeguarding concerns in school, working with families, and liaising with external agencies when additional help is needed. There is always a trained DSL or DDSL available during school hours.

If You Are Worried About a Child

Everyone has a responsibility to act if they are worried about a child’s safety. If you ever have a concern—whether about your own child or another—you can seek advice or make a report through the correct channels.

Speak to Us

If your concern relates to a child at Barrowcliff School, please call the school office on 01723 351767 and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team:

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mr Mark Rogers
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs Bridget Marshall and Mrs Andrea Dixon

Contact External Support

If you are ever seriously worried about a child’s safety outside of school hours, you should not wait until school reopens. You should contact the appropriate services straight away so that help can be provided as quickly as possible.

If a child is in immediate danger

Call 999 immediately.

If the concern is serious but not an emergency

You can contact:

  • Children & Families Social Care (North Yorkshire): 0300 131 2131
    (Use this number for urgent safeguarding concerns about any child.)

  • NSPCC Helpline (confidential): 0808 800 5000
    For advice, reassurance or to report a concern if you’re unsure what to do.

  • Early Help: 01609 534829
    If you feel a family needs support but the situation is not an immediate safeguarding emergency.

Out‑of‑hours support

If your concern arises in the evening, overnight, or at the weekend, the North Yorkshire Emergency Duty Team can be contacted through 0300 131 2131. They respond to urgent safeguarding issues when daytime social care teams are unavailable.

You can still inform school

If you report a concern out of hours, you can also let the safeguarding team know when school reopens. This helps us provide ongoing support where needed.

Further Information About Local Safeguarding Arrangements

To learn more about safeguarding procedures within North Yorkshire and the local partnership arrangements, the following links may be helpful:

These websites include detailed information on thresholds, support services, policies, and how safeguarding works across the county.

Who We Work With

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NYSCP)

We follow the guidance, policies and procedures set out by the NYSCP. This ensures our staff understand what to look out for, how to report concerns, and how to respond in line with local expectations. We also access their training, resources, and professional advice.

Children’s Social Care

When we believe that a child may be at risk of harm, we work directly with Children’s Social Care. This may include making referrals, attending meetings, sharing relevant information, and supporting plans designed to keep children safe.

Health Services

We work closely with a wide range of health professionals, such as GPs, CAMHS, paediatric specialists, and Early Help workers. These professionals help us understand children’s physical and emotional needs and ensure that any concerns are responded to promptly.

The Police and Safer Schools Teams

We work with local police officers around community issues, safety concerns, and incidents that may affect our pupils.
Barrowcliff School also takes part in Operation Encompass, which means we are informed by the police if a child has been involved in a domestic incident. This allows us to offer support when a child may need it the most.

Education and Local Authority Partners

We work with a range of services within North Yorkshire Council, including educational psychologists, SEND teams, the Inclusion Service, attendance advisors and Early Help. Their support helps us ensure we are meeting children’s needs effectively, especially when they require additional support or specialist intervention.

Community and Voluntary Organisations

When helpful, we link with local charities, community groups and support services who can offer extra help to families. This may include emotional wellbeing support, financial advice, youth activities, or other services that can benefit children outside of the school day.

Early Help: Supporting Families at the Right Time

Sometimes families need a little support, even if the concern isn’t a child protection issue. Early Help is a way of identifying what a family needs and bringing the right agencies together before things become more difficult.

We can help families access Early Help support through the school. This might involve:

  • offering advice or guidance in school
  • arranging multi‑agency meetings
  • linking families with community services
  • working with Early Help practitioners from the local authority

Parents can also request Early Help directly. If you feel you may need support, please contact Early Help (North Yorkshire): 01609 534829. More information about the Early Help service is available on their website:  https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/early-help

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