Dear Parent/Carer,

Safeguarding during the school closure

 I am writing to you in my capacity as the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for school, to outline how I aim to continue supporting families and children through the school closure due to the COVID 19 outbreak.

Even though the school has closed to all pupils except those with Key Worker parents, I am available to support and safeguard all young people and to offer advice and support where needed. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or need advice on protecting or safeguarding a young person.

Whilst this is a generic letter, please be assured I will also make personal contact as soon as I am able with specific parents/carers to hold conversations on how best to support individual circumstances during the closure. Here are the steps the school is taking to support:

During the closure- I can be reached via my email at admin@cleaswellhill.northumberland.sch.uk for the attention of Karyn McMahon. This will be checked daily and is to report safeguarding concerns.

Our Phase Leaders will continue to check emails and respond to concerns, as well as alert the DSL to any issues

In the case of parents/carers currently involved in an EHA process, although we will not be able to meet in person, I am exploring the possibility of using email and phone contact to continue to review progress and to support you as best as I am able. I will ring individual parent/carers to make these arrangements.

If you need to report an urgent concern and for some reason you are not able to contact me- speak to Northumberland’s safeguarding services at One Call on 01670 536400.

Yours sincerely,

Karyn McMahon
Deputy Headteacher