There is no issue of greater importance to parent/carers, staff and Governors of One In A Million Free School (OIAMFS), than the safety of the children who attend the school.

All members of the school are unequivocally committed to the safeguarding of students, staff and families. We are rigorous in our response to concerns raised, and record all incidents and communications.

This was recognised in 2022 when our school received the Safeguarding Standards Award by Safeguarding Alliance in recognition of our work in this area.

Ofsted adopts the definition of safeguarding used in the Children Act 2004 and in the Department for Education and Skills (now DfE) guidance document Working together to safeguard children, which focuses on safeguarding and promoting children’s and learners’ welfare.

This can be summarised as:

• protecting children and learners from maltreatment;
• preventing impairment of children’s and learners’ health or development;
• ensuring that children and learners are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• undertaking that role so as to enable those children and learners to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully.

In responding appropriately to concerns raised, we, as a school, work with a range of partners across professional services. We make referrals to social care, West Yorkshire Police, CTU and other bodies who work to ensure that the physical and emotional treatment of those in our community is appropriate and fair.

If you should have a concern regarding the welfare of a member of the OIAMFS community, please contact the school immediately. Concerns may be passed to the appropriate Head of Year via telephone or email. The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, and will respond to concerns raised and ensure that the school’s processes and policies are followed.

We are aware that these issues may be challenging for parents and students, and we work to support our community, working closely with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Counselling Services and a range of other organisations.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

• Lead DSL: Mr Paddy Gallagher (Deputy Vice Principal) and Miss Katy Woodcock who are qualified.
• Deputy DSLs: Mrs Jane Hobbs (Principal).
• All have received appropriate training and support for this role.

We have a nominated governor (Mrs Susan Sharples) responsible for child protection.

Policies: to view our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy please click here.

Contact Details:

For safeguarding concerns email: keepingsafe@oneinamillion.org.uk
For bullying concerns email: anti-bullying@oneinamillion.org.uk
One In A Million Free School Cliffe Terrace Bradford BD8 7DX
Main Switchboard: 01274 723439