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Safeguarding

The whole school community at Medina Primary School has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of our children. This means we have a robust Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and procedures in place. All staff members, including volunteers and supply staff, ensure they are aware of our procedures and know what to do if they suspect a child is at risk of abuse.

Sometimes, we need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will always endeavour to ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with their parents or carers first, unless we have reason to believe that doing so would not be in the child’s best interests.

Your Safeguarding Team at Medina Primary School

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs A McGarvey

  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs S Sinclair

  • Designated Teacher for Looked-After Children (LAC): Mrs A McGarvey

  • Safeguarding Governor: Mrs M Stuart

Main School Contact:

  • Telephone: 02392375475

  • Email: admin@medina.portsmouth.sch.uk

Contacting the Safeguarding Team

During School Hours:

  • To contact a member of the Safeguarding Team by email, please contact: admin@medina.portsmouth.sch.uk or safeguarding@medina.portsmouth.sch.uk

  • If you wish to speak with someone directly, the school office is open from 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM.

  • In the first instance, please ask to speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) on 02392375475. If they are unavailable, another member of the team will be on hand to assist.

  • If a team member cannot take your call immediately, we aim to return all calls within 48 hours.

  • If you feel your concern is an emergency or requires urgent attention, please refer to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) / Children's Social Care guidance below. Portsmouth Safeguarding

Out of Hours & School Holidays:

  • During school closures and holidays, the school safeguarding email is only monitored periodically. 

  • If a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.

  • For urgent safeguarding concerns when the school is closed, please make a direct referral to your local authority Children's Services / MASH team rather than waiting for a school reply.

Emergency Contacts & Helplines

  • Police / Immediate Danger: 999

  • Local Authority MASH / Children's Social Care: 0845 671 0271 / 02392 688793

  • Childline (Free & Confidential for Children/Young People): 0800 1111

  • NSPCC Helpline (For Adults & Carers): 0808 800 5000

  • Mental Health Crisis Support: Text YM to 85258 (Free, 24/7 crisis support via text)

  • YoungMinds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544

Useful Links & Policies

Operation Encompass Safeguarding Statement

Medina Primary School is an Operation Encompass school.

Operation Encompass is a national police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership that supports children and young people experiencing domestic abuse, active across every police force in England and Wales. Children are recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Please see below useful Safeguarding links:

Working Together to Safeguard Children