Working with Other Agencies

Safeguarding children is a shared responsibility.

At Fishburn Primary School, we recognise that effective safeguarding relies on schools, families and other professionals working together to identify concerns, share information appropriately and ensure children receive the right help and protection at the right time.

We work in accordance with the Eden Academy Trust Safeguarding Policy 2026–27, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and local safeguarding arrangements within County Durham.

Multi-Agency Working

Where appropriate, Fishburn Primary School works with a range of professionals and services, which may include:

• Durham Children's Social Care;
• Durham Constabulary;
• health professionals;
• Early Help and family support services;
• SEND and inclusion services;
• educational psychology and specialist services;
• attendance and education services; and
• other agencies involved with a child or family.

Information is shared appropriately and proportionately where this is necessary to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child.

Children's Social Care

Where school has concerns about a child's safety or welfare, we may seek advice from or make a referral to Durham Children's Social Care.

School works with social workers and other professionals where children are receiving support through Early Help, Child in Need, Child Protection or other statutory arrangements.

Staff contribute appropriately to assessments, plans and multi-agency meetings and ensure that the child's safety, welfare, wishes and feelings remain central to decision-making.

Police

Fishburn Primary School works with Durham Constabulary where appropriate to safeguard children.

This may include responding to safeguarding concerns, sharing relevant information, supporting children affected by crime or exploitation and working together where there is an immediate risk of harm.

We also participate in Operation Encompass, which enables school to receive timely information when police have attended a domestic abuse incident involving a child in our school.

Health and Other Professionals

We work with health and other specialist professionals where appropriate to support children's safety, health, development and wellbeing.

This may include school nursing, health services, mental health services and professionals supporting children with additional needs.

Information Sharing

Effective safeguarding depends upon appropriate information sharing.

Information about children and families is handled carefully and shared only where there is a legitimate reason to do so.

Where safeguarding is concerned, relevant information may be shared with other professionals when this is necessary to protect a child or promote their welfare.

Safeguarding a child takes priority.

Professional Challenge

Effective multi-agency working requires professionals to communicate openly and challenge appropriately where necessary.

If we believe that a child's needs or safeguarding concerns are not being addressed appropriately, we will seek further discussion, professional challenge or escalation in accordance with local safeguarding procedures.

Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership

Fishburn Primary School works within the safeguarding arrangements for County Durham.

The Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP) brings together organisations and agencies to coordinate safeguarding services and improve outcomes for children and families across County Durham.

Reporting a Concern

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child, please contact our safeguarding team:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mr Richard Parkin – Head of School

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Mrs Charlotte Sinclair – Assistant Headteacher / Early Years Lead

Telephone: 01740 620162
Email: fishburnadmin@edenacademytrust.co.uk

You can also contact:

Durham Children's Social Care – First Contact
03000 267 979

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.