At Wildridings Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We place great importance on identifying opportunities within our curriculum to ensure that children learn about safeguarding in meaningful and engaging ways.

Our broad and inclusive curriculum provides pupils with the chance to experience life in all its diversity, equipping them with the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary for personal development, positive behaviour, and emotional well-being. We aim to empower every child with the tools they need to safeguard themselves, both physically and emotionally.

A Curriculum that Promotes Safeguarding

We are dedicated to challenging pupils to think deeply about safeguarding issues, as well as their own physical and mental well-being. We value their questions and provide them with the space to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Across our curriculum, pupils explore important topics such as personal rights, responsibilities, equality, and moral values. These discussions contribute to a deeper understanding of safeguarding, promote British values, and help prevent radicalisation and extremism.

Practical safeguarding opportunities are integrated throughout our learning experiences, including:

• Road and rail safety, including Bikeability, school visits, and collaborations with local police officers
• Poolside and water safety through swimming lessons
• Fire safety with visits from the local fire service
• Health and medical awareness through visits from medical professionals
• Charity visits, such as from the NSPCC
• Online safety through quizzes and training
• Stranger Danger, outdoor safety, and emergency procedures
• Safe use of technology, including password security and privacy settings

Creating a Safe and Open Environment

At Wildridings Primary, we have developed a safe and open learning environment where pupils feel comfortable sharing their views, seeking help, and supporting one another. We promote equality of opportunity and diversity, working actively to prevent all forms of discriminatory behaviour.

Our school encourages pupils to not tolerate prejudice or bullying. Our behaviour policy focusses on making positive choices and demonstrating good learning behaviours. 

Key Opportunities to Explore Safeguarding Themes

Assemblies and PSHE lessons are key elements of our approach to safeguarding. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss important issues such as:

• Anti-bullying, including cyberbullying
• British values and their role in our multi-faith society
• Challenging stereotypes and derogatory language in lessons and throughout the school
• Understanding the role of women in society, and exploring different family structures, including same-sex couples

Our curriculum reflects the diversity of our pupils' experiences. We aim to broaden pupils' understanding of people and communities beyond their immediate surroundings, fostering respect for individuals of all faiths, races, genders, ages, disabilities, and sexual orientations.

In English lessons, for instance, safeguarding themes are explored through literature, creating opportunities for meaningful discussions that nurture empathy and broaden pupils' understanding of the world around them.