Safeguarding Information
Dorothy Barley Junior Academy is committed to every child having a safe and happy upbringing, where children are free to grow up with integrity and dignity. Anyone who joins our school will be expected to share this commitment and should any concerns arise, to be proactive in following procedures and seeking advice from appropriate agencies as outlined in our safeguarding policy.
In school, our designated safeguarding lead is Mrs M Dawes and our deputy safeguarding leads are Ms A Stanborough and Miss C Leicester. Our Safeguarding governor is Mrs Christine Thomas.
To find out more about safeguarding policies and procedures, please download our Safeguarding and Child Protection policy pdf using the link at the bottom of this page.
Safeguarding pupils walking to and from school alone, arrival, handover and departure guidance DBJA
While there is no legal limit to the age that siblings can collect children from school, the school does have in place best practice guidance for the collection of younger siblings. Our guidance is that the minimum age at which an older sibling can collect or drop off a younger sibling is 14 years of age. The school have the right to refuse any person under this age permission to collect a pupil from the school`s premises.
In addition, there is no set age after which children may walk to and from school independently. This depends on the child’s maturity and confidence. We do however recommend that pupils in years 3, 4 and 5 are still brought to and collected from school. Year 6 children can walk to and from school independently with written permission from their parents. Those who walk unaccompanied to and from school can bring a mobile phone in so that they can call their parents should they need to on their journey. Mobile phones will be collected before entering the school, logged and retuned at the end of the school day. The school does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones.
Passwords for Pick Up
We have a password system in school for the collection of children. This is to ensure the safety and safeguarding of our children throughout school and at the end of the school day.
If anyone other than the parent/carer, or named person is collecting a child from school, we will require them to first inform school of who will be collecting their child. Parent/carers will need to give the password – that we have on the school system- to the adult who is collecting. That adult will then need to give the password to the teacher before we will allow the child to go with them.
If the person collecting does not have the password or school has not been informed beforehand, we will NOT release your child.
EARLY HELP AT DBJA
Purpose of Early Help
At DBJA, we are committed to identifying and addressing the needs of children and families early to provide timely support and prevent problems from escalating. Early Help is integral to our safeguarding ethos and ensures children and families have access to the right support at the right time, fostering their safety, mental and physical well-being, and development.
Definition of Early Help
Early Help refers to providing support as soon as a need emerges, at any stage in a child’s life, from the foundation years through to teenage years (KCSiE 2025, point 18). Early intervention can address issues in a child’s educational, emotional, or physical development before they worsen.
Criteria for Early Help
Children may qualify for Early Help if they meet one or more of the following criteria, as identified in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Early Help Safeguarding Protocols Early help | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham:
- Family Circumstances:
- Experiencing domestic abuse.
- Parental substance misuse or mental health concerns.
- Housing instability or financial hardship.
- Educational Indicators:
- Persistent absenteeism or lateness.
- Struggling to meet academic expectations.
- Exhibiting signs of learning difficulties.
- Health and Development:
- Physical or mental health needs, including self-harm or eating disorders.
- Developmental delays or disabilities.
- Lack of access to appropriate healthcare.
- Emotional and Social Well-Being:
- Displaying signs of anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.
- Involvement in risky or anti-social behaviour.
- Peer or social relationship difficulties, including bullying or isolation.
- Safeguarding Concerns:
- Signs of neglect or abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or exploitation).
- Known involvement with social services or previous Child in Need plans.
Our DBJA Early Help Offer
At DBJA, all staff are trained and supported to identify children who may benefit from early help. We provide a range of interventions and support mechanisms to meet the needs of children qualifying for early help:
- Pastoral Care/Pupil Welfare Support:
- Dedicated pastoral staff who monitor and support children’s emotional and social well-being.
- Regular check-ins with a trusted adult for identified children (touchpoints).
- School Counsellor
- Educational Support:
- Tailored learning plans (IEPs, BSPs) in collaboration with the SENCo and Class Teachers.
- Small-group interventions for literacy, numeracy, or social skills.
- Mentoring and peer support schemes.
- Health and Well-Being:
- Workshops and curriculum content focussed on mental health, resilience, and well-being.
- Support for managing chronic medical conditions in collaboration with parents and healthcare providers.
- Support to access HAF (Holiday Activity Fund) resources Free holiday activities | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
- Community Fridge, Vulnerable Family Food Parcels, Bagel Fridays
- Assisted/free places in Breakfast Club and After School Clubs
- Assisted/free places on school educational visits/residentials
- Second hand uniform store
- Signposting to local services e.g. Food Banks, Young Carers
- Sourcing local donations for free/reduced cost items e.g. Kindness Offensive
- Emotional health and wellbeing groups for children (including those who may struggle with Secondary transition)
- Family Engagement:
- Regular communication with parents to understand and address family needs.
- Signposting to external services, such as counselling, parenting programs or financial advice.
- Team Around the Family meetings
- Referrals to Early Help [email protected] and Hub Support Our Hubs BD
- Safeguarding Response:
- Early referrals to the LBBD Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) where additional support is needed Targeted Early Help and Children’s Social Care referral form | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
- Collaboration with external agencies, including CAMHS, educational psychologists, and social services.
Staff Training and Awareness
All staff should be aware of their local early help process and understand their role in it. To ensure all staff can identify when and how children qualify for Early Help:
- Annual Safeguarding Training:
- All staff receive training on recognizing signs of need and vulnerability, aligned with the LBBD Continuum of Need guidance, yearly with training expectations and half termly updates (refreshers)
- Guidance Documents:
- Staff are provided with quick-reference guides, Trust safeguarding training to support decision-making, including updates on contextual safeguarding
- Clear Reporting Protocols:
- Staff must report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL promptly using CPoms.
- The DSL will determine if the Early Help pathway should be initiated and inform relevant staff and parents/carers as appropriate.
- Case Studies and Workshops:
- Regular workshops and discussions to enhance understanding of Early Help triggers and processes, these include Vulnerable Pupil Meetings with Senior Leaders
Implementation and Monitoring
- The DSL will oversee all Early Help interventions and maintain records of referrals and outcomes.
- Staff will participate in regular reviews of Early Help cases during safeguarding team meetings.
- The effectiveness of Early Help provision will be reviewed annually and adjusted based on feedback from children, families, and staff.
- DBJA has a comprehensive Vulnerable Pupil Register which is regularly reviewed by the SENCo and SLT.
Conclusion
Our commitment to Early Help ensures that children and their families are supported holistically, enabling them to overcome challenges and thrive in their education and personal lives. Any child may benefit from early help, but all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for a child who meet the criteria, as identified in the LBBD Continuum of Need. This proactive approach underscores our dedication to safeguarding and the well-being of our school community.
Young Carers at Dorothy Barley Junior Academy
At Dorothy Barley Junior Academy we actively support Young Carers. We have a number of young carers in our school community and we are determined to find the best way possible to support these amazing children and their families.
Find out more about Young Carers by clicking the link below.
Our Young Carers Leads at DBJA are: Mrs M Dawes & Miss Stanborough
If you have any questions, concerns or would like to refer a child to Young Carers please speak to one of the team.
Take a look at these information leaflets
Young Carers Free Tutoring Leaflet.pdf
For Further Information
As a parent, carer, relative, neighbour, member of the public or a professional who has contact with children, you may be concerned about the welfare and safety of your own child or a child you know. These concerns could be about their appearance, behaviour, development or how they are being cared for.
DO NOT question or confront any child or adult about concerns.
If you cannot locate the Senior Designated Professionals, please record your concerns and pass on privately to our Office Manager. They will be passed on in confidence. Any allegation against a member of staff, volunteer or foster carer must be reported immediately to the Headteacher. If you have any concerns regarding the Headteacher’s conduct, you must ask for the contact details of the Chair of Governors, from the Office Manager.
People to talk to and contact in School
Name of Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs M Dawes
Name of Deputy Safeguarding Lead/s
Ms A Stanborough
Miss C Leicester
Name of Chair of Governors
Mrs Carole Webb
If you have any concerns, at the first instance contact Pupil Welfare Office (Michelle Dawes or Angela Stanborough) as soon as possible. If they are not available please pass on to Cathy Leicester, Lauren O’Connor, Kim Arrowsmith or a member of the senior leadership team.
Outside of school
If you have any doubts about the level of need or risk, you are not sure whether you should be making a referral, or simply don’t what to do, call MASH on
| 0208 227 3811
MASH team from 9am to 4:45pm, Monday to Friday |
| 0208 594 8356
Out of hours duty team from 4:45pm to 9am, Monday to Friday, weekends and bank holidays |
If an emergency situation arises dial 999 for the police for an immediate response.
Our latest updated Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be found by using the link below.
Policies – Dorothy Barley Junior Academy
Useful Websites:
Parenting and Family Support – Family Lives (Parentline Plus) | Family Lives