This policy complies with best practices for online safeguarding and reflects relevant UK legislation and guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Introduction
At Dumbles Forest School, the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable individuals are our top priority. This safeguarding policy outlines how we protect users of our website and our approach to managing information, images, and content to uphold the principles of child protection and online safety.
Scope
This policy applies to: All digital content published on the Dumbles Forest School website. All staff, volunteers, contractors, and third parties involved in website content creation or management. Children, young people, parents, and carers engaging with our website.
Key Principles
Child-Centred Approach: All safeguarding considerations prioritise the welfare and rights of children. Transparency: Clear communication with parents and carers regarding the use of images, data, and online participation. Risk Management: Proactive assessment and management of potential online risks to children.
Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Responsible for ensuring safeguarding principles are upheld across the website and for responding to online safety concerns. Website Administrator: Ensures compliance with content and data protection policies. All Staff and Volunteers: Required to report any concerns related to website content or user safety to the DSL.
Use of Images and Videos
Parental consent is always obtained prior to the use of any image or video featuring a child. Children are not identified by full name in any image captions or accompanying text. No personal contact details of children are published. All media is stored and shared securely, following GDPR and data protection regulations.
Data Protection and Privacy
The website complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Personal data collected via forms (e.g., enquiries, registration) is securely stored and only used for its intended purpose. The full privacy notice is available here.
Reporting Online Safeguarding Concerns
If a website user has a safeguarding concern, they should: Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately via rachael.shaw@acnursery.co.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police by dialling 999. Reports will be handled sensitively and in line with our internal safeguarding procedures.
External Links
The Dumbles Forest School website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites. Users are encouraged to review the safeguarding and privacy policies of external sites before sharing personal information.
Acceptable Use
Comments or contact forms must not be used to send offensive, abusive, or harmful messages. Any user-generated content that violates our safeguarding policy will be removed, and appropriate action taken.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually or whenever there is a significant change to legislation, best practice, or the structure of the website.
Contact Details
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Rachael Shaw Email:rachael.shaw@acnursery.co.uk Phone: 01530 415541 Address: Dumbles Forest School Red Fox Wood Willesley Woodside. Ashby De La Zouch DE12 6DP
