In our school, the safety of the children is of paramount importance. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Howson, and Mrs Abbasi,  Mrs Burton-Grange, Miss Brown  and Mrs Hughes are also part of the DSL team.

If you have any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, please contact the school office and ask to speak to Mrs Howson as DSL in the first instance, however there will always be a DSL team member you can speak to if she is not available. If the office is closed, for example outside of school hours or during the school holidays, please email the DSL team on dsl@allington.kent.sch.uk- this email is monitored regularly during school closure periods.

For urgent safeguarding concerns out of school hours, please contact the Front Door Service Team on 03000 411111 (or 03000 419191)

If you are concerned that a child is at risk of immediate harm, please contact the police on 999.

These are a range of services that you may find useful to access when the school is closed. In the document below are additional resources put together by Mrs Hughes for our families.

• The NSPCC are here to help 24/7 and children can call their Childline number on 0800 1111 ThinkUKnow – links to various sites Safer Internet Centre
• Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text 85258
• Anna Freud Crisis Messenger – If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258. A free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope.
• Educateagainsthate provides practical advice and support on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation
• Internet Matters provides age-specific online safety checklists, guides on how to set parental controls, and practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world
• Talking to your child about online sexual harassment: A guide for parents – This is the Children’s Commissioner’s parental guide on talking to their children about online sexual harassment.
• Anti-Bullying Alliance – Detailed information for anyone being bullied, along with advice for parents and schools. Signposts to various helplines and websites for further support.

Local Children's Social Care: If you think a child or young person is at risk or being abused or neglected, contact the children’s social care team at their local council. If you do not know where they live, contact your local council’s team, the NSPCC or the Police for advice.

● Find a food bank can be used to aid families in finding local food banks that they can access.