John Rankin Schools take seriously their responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of all children in its care.

We believe that all those who come into contact with children and families in their everyday work, including practitioners who do not have a specific role in relation to child protection, have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Prior to employment, all staff (paid or voluntary) are DBS checked for their suitability to work with children and young people. For more information on the Disclosure Barring Service, click here.

At employment and then annually, staff are also required to complete an online safeguarding course.

Once a member of staff joins our school, they are given school Safeguarding Training by one of our Child Protection Team. This training includes an overview of our responsibilities, signs and symptoms as well as advice and guidance about what to do in the event of a concern.

Other visitors to the school are expected to sign in at reception and to read our Safeguarding Information which is given to them on arrival. They are then supervised whilst on site.

For out-of-hours emergency safeguarding concerns (before 8:00am and after 4:00pm during school weekdays, weekends and school holidays), please contact your relevant Local Authority designated duty line.  You can contact West Berkshire Safeguarding Team by phoning: 01635 503090 or emailing: child@westberks.gov.uk.  If you suspect that a child is in immediate danger, you should contact the police.