At The Burghfield Common Federation (Mrs Bland’s Infant School), we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the pupils in our care. The safety of all our pupils is taken very seriously and is our main priority and we expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.

We believe that all children have the right to be safe, healthy, happy and to learn, and that we all have the responsibility to make this happen.

Therefore, all staff, governors and volunteers will ensure that:

• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnicity, religious beliefs and sexual identity, have the right to be protected from harm.
• All indications and allegations of abuse or neglect will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• We will protect children from extremist and violent views and provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so that they better understand how to protect themselves.

What to do if you have concerns about a child:  

If you are concerned about a child in West Berkshire, it is important that you talk to someone about this. Don’t ignore your concerns or delay taking action. 

If there is immediate risk of harm to a child: call the Police on 999. 

If you have concerns that a child is at significant risk:  

• you should contact West Berkshire Contact Advice Assessment Service (CAAS) within working hours on 01635 503090 for a member of staff to deal with your concerns. Alternatively, email  child@westberks.gov.uk 
• the Children’s Services Out of Hours Emergency Duty Service is available when the West Berkshire Council offices are closed if there is an emergency safeguarding concern. This includes evenings, 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays. Please contact them  by telephone 01344 786543 or email  edt@bracknell-forest.gov.uk 

  If you have general concerns: 

• you can raise them with Mrs Rose or one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs). 
• you could also seek advice from the NSPCC.

We have a Strategic Safeguarding Team  who oversee safeguarding across the schools;