Meet Our Safeguarding Team
‘Safeguarding has a hugely positive impact on children, as it ensures they feel safe, supported, and protected in their learning environment. By having clear policies, trusted adults to talk to, and a culture of care, Fairfield Primary School helps children build confidence and resilience while knowing their wellbeing is a top priority. Our school looks out for every child not only by keeping them safe from harm but also by nurturing their emotional, social, and academic development, creating a secure foundation for them to thrive.
If you have any concerns about a child please report them to either Mr Robert Birtwhistle (Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead), or Mrs Alison Dunford (Deputy Head and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead), or Mrs Heather Clayton (Assistant Head Teacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) or Mrs Rachael Cooke (Teacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead).
We also have our team leaders who are also Designated Safeguarding Leads:
Mrs Abby Hodgson – EYFS Lead
Mrs Sarah Clegg – KS1 Lead
Mrs Laura Marshall – LKS2 Lead
Mrs Catherine Jenkinson – UKS2 Lead
Our safeguarding governor is Mrs Kelly Knowles.
Reporting any concerns
If you are concerned about an immediate risk to the safety of a child please call Stockton Family Help Point on 01642 130080. This was known previously as the ‘Children’s Hub’.
Safeguarding Contact Details
- Family Help Point – familyhelppoint@stockton.gov.uk
- Tel: 01642 130080
- (Mon-Thurs 8.30 – 5.00pm / Fri 8.30am – 4.30pm)
- Emergency Duty Team (Outside of Office Hours) Tel: 01642 524552
In an emergency, call the Police on 999.
If you want to report a concern directly to Social Services, please call the Family Help Point. If you want to make an anonymous referral, you can also call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or make a referral online https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/ .
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or if you believe a crime has been committed (e.g. Sexual Exploitation, Radicalisation, Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage), call the Police. If you do this, you must tell a Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible after your call. After reporting your concerns, always remember to ask for an update on the concern/s you have – check that something has been done. It may not be appropriate to give you specific details, but you need to satisfy yourself that appropriate action has been taken.
If you have any concerns about an adult in school, you must report this immediately to Mr Birtwhistle (Head Teacher). Do not discuss your concerns with anyone else or try to investigate them. Mr Birtwhistle will report your concerns to Mr Phil Curtis, the Local Authority Designated Officer (01642 527864), who will determine what action follows. If the complaint involves the Head Teacher, then you must inform the next most senior member of staff (Mr Nathan Steel) and the Chair of Governors (Mrs Bev Jones).
REMEMBER – Safeguarding children is EVERYONE’S responsibility.
Further Information and Contact Details
Designated Officer Local Authority (LADO)
- Philip Curtis
- Tel Direct Line: 01642 527864 (mobile 07471880331)
- Email: LADO@stockton.gov.uk
- Tees Child Protection Web Based Procedures are located at www.teescpp.org.uk
Helpful Numbers:
- Single Point of Contact (SPOC): 03333 202302
- Social Care Team Clerks: 01642 526114
(If you need to share concerns with a social worker but have no direct number for them)
Prevent Strategy
Local Authority Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
- Marc Stephenson
- Assistant Director- Community Safety and Regulated Services
- Direct Line:01642 526203
- Mobile 07341073745
- Email:Marc.Stephenson@stockton.gov.uk
Channel Panel Cleveland
- DS Ian Charlesworth
- Prevent CTCO
- Stockton Police office
Thistle Green
TS18 1TZ
Stockton on Tees - 01642 301412
Operation Encompass
(Domestic Abuse) Stockton on Tees PVP Hub
PVPdomesticabuse@cleveland.police.uk
