Safeguarding & Wellbeing
At Dulwich Village C of e Infants’ School, the safety, wellbeing, and happiness of our children are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a nurturing and secure environment where all children can flourish and feel valued, respected, and supported.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and we take this duty very seriously. We have robust policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of all children in our care. Our safeguarding measures include:
A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and trained safeguarding team.
Rigorous staff training to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
A clear Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy aligned with government guidance and best practices.
Secure access to the school grounds and visitor procedures to ensure safety.
Strong partnerships with local safeguarding authorities and agencies.
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please email our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Helen Poyton.
Promoting Wellbeing & Mental Health
We believe that a child’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical safety. Our school fosters a culture of kindness, resilience, and positive mental health. To support our children, we offer:
A caring and approachable staff team who listen and support children.
A PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curriculum that promotes self-confidence, emotional literacy, and social skills.
Wellbeing activities, including outdoor learning and creative play.
Access to pastoral support for children who may need extra emotional support.
Strong collaboration with parents and carers to ensure children’s wellbeing at home and school.
Keeping Children Safe Online
In today’s digital world, online safety is a vital part of safeguarding. We educate our children on how to stay safe online through:
E-safety lessons as part of our curriculum.
Parent workshops on online safety.
A clear Acceptable Use Policy for all school devices and internet use.
Encouraging open conversations about digital wellbeing and responsible technology use.
Working Together
Safeguarding is a partnership between school, families, and the wider community. We encourage parents and carers to speak to us about any concerns or support they may need. Together, we can ensure that every child at DVIS feels happy, safe, and ready to learn.
For more information, please refer to our Safeguarding Policy, or by request from the school office.
To read Southwark Local Authority's information for parents on protecting children in educational settings, click here.
Disclosure and Barring Service – DBSs
All members of staff working at school hold a current DBS. Long term volunteers such as weekly reading volunteers and school Governors also hold DBSs. Other organisations that we work alongside are asked to share their current DBS number with the school.
Fire and Lockdown Practices
These are carried out in school every half term.
Road crossings
Due to the split site nature of the school a large number of children walk across the main road each day. The school holds a risk assessment for this activity and there are strict procedures in place. School Crossing Patrols are in present before and after school at the two main crossroads that are used by the children at the school.
Safety In School leaflet
This leaflet was produced by the school council and illustrates to the children at school what we do in order to stay safe.
Safety In School
Whatsapp Code of Conduct
The aim of this Agreed Code is to model good communication, help with reminders for school business, be clear on what can be expected when on a DVIS WhatsApp group and to manage the overload that everyone faces in their busy lives.