Safeguarding at Thames Ditton Infant School

Keeping children safe is our highest priority. Everyone who works at or visits our school shares a responsibility to safeguard children.

Worried about a child?

• Speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Deputy DSL
• Contact the school office: 0208 398 5842
• You can also email: dsl@thames-ditton-infant.surrey.sch.uk

Key Personnel:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs E. Leach – Headteacher
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs M. Dennemont – Deputy Headteacher
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs K. Lita  – The Nest
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs S. Coulter – Office Manager
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs E. Gregory – Acorns Manager
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Governor: Mrs S. Palmer

All of the above personnel can be contacted through Thames Ditton Infant School by phone on 0208 398 5842 or by e-mail.

Our safeguarding procedures include:

• Clear reporting systems for concerns
• Robust safer recruitment practices
• Strong online safety education
• A culture where all concerns are taken seriously

All staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse or neglect and understand their responsibility to act promptly.

We work closely with external agencies to support children and families where needed.

Please refer to our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (2025) below for full details.

Reporting a Concern

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, please record your concern—including any relevant observations or conversations—and report it immediately to Mrs E. Leach (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or, in her absence, to a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). Please do not attempt to investigate the matter yourself.

If your concern relates to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff (which may indicate that they are unsuitable to work with children), you must report this to the DSL or a DDSL in confidence. They will refer the matter to the Headteacher as appropriate.

If your concern relates to the behaviour of the Headteacher herself (which may indicate she is unsuitable to work with children), you should contact the Chair of Governors directly. The Chair of Governors for Thames Ditton Infant School is Mr B Carr. He can be contacted via the School Business Manager on telephone 0208 398 5842 or by e-mail.

Helplines

Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership – SSCP

Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? Make a report to one of the CEOP's Child Protection Advisors: https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre 

Help for children and young people : Childline - 📞0800 11 11

Help for adults concerned about a child: NSPCC - 📞0808 800 5000

Anonymous helpline, email and chat services for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and how to prevent it: Stop It Now - 📞0808 1000 900