We are a Safeguarding School
Cockermouth School is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and protection for all students and recognise that a more personalised or contextualised approach may be required for more vulnerable children, victims of abuse and some SEND children. We have a culture of openness and honesty and aim to be reflective about our practice and recognise that, however good we are, we can always improve. We know that abuse happens in our school and wider community and always strive to create the environment where those affected can report concerns in the secure knowledge they will be supported in a professional and sensitive way.
Please find the school’s child protection policy on our policies page.
Cockermouth School Safeguarding Team
Mr Milledge
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Senior Leader responsible for the pastoral system.
Mrs Johnson
Deputy DSL
Head of Learning Support and the Strategic Resourced Provision for autism.
Mrs Doyle
Deputy DSL
Non-teaching member of staff available to support students throughout the day.
Alan Rankin
Nominated Safeguarding Governor
Should you need to make contact with Cockermouth School Safeguarding Team, please email safeguarding@cockermouthschool.org.
Parents can also contact the Pastoral Support Team and their child’s pastoral leader with any concerns about their child’s welfare:
Tel: 01900 898888
Email: PastoralSupport@cockermouthschool.org
Our school is committed to supporting children affected by domestic abuse through Operation Encompass, ensuring timely information sharing and staff training to safeguard our students.
Operation Encompass is a national initiative that enables police to share information with schools about domestic abuse incidents involving students. This partnership aims to ensure that schools can provide appropriate support to children who may be experiencing trauma due to domestic violence.
Information Sharing: The police will notify our school about any domestic abuse incidents involving our students before the start of the next school day. This allows us to prepare and provide necessary support.
Training for Staff: Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputies have completed training on Operation Encompass. They will cascade this knowledge to all staff members and governors to ensure everyone understands how to support affected children.
Support for Students: We have discussed strategies to support children who may be affected by domestic abuse. This includes using resources from Operation Encompass to guide our actions and ensuring that we do not put any child or non-abusing adult at risk.
Confidentiality: All information received through Operation Encompass is treated with the utmost confidentiality and stored in line with our safeguarding policies.
Parental Awareness: We inform parents and carers about our participation in Operation Encompass when a new child joins our school, ensuring they understand the support available for their children.
By being part of Operation Encompass, our school aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, particularly those affected by domestic abuse. We are dedicated to ongoing training and awareness to ensure that we can respond effectively to the needs of our students.
This statement reflects our commitment to safeguarding and supporting our students through this important initiative. For more information, please refer to the official Operation Encompass resources or contact our school directly.