Safeguarding

Safeguarding is our highest priority at The Gryphon School. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported and able to learn and thrive.

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are trained to identify concerns and take appropriate action to protect students.

Our designated safeguarding leader (DSL) can be contacted here:
Designated Safeguarding Lead – Nicky Dodgson.
Tel 01935 810138, Email: njd@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk


Our Safeguarding Approach

We follow all statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, and have clear systems in place to keep students safe.

  • A fully trained and experienced safeguarding team, led by our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
  • Clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns
  • Regular safeguarding training for all staff
  • Robust safer recruitment processes
  • Close working relationships with external agencies

Supporting Our Students

We provide a safe, supportive environment where students know who they can talk to and feel confident to seek help.

This includes:

  • Strong pastoral care and wellbeing support
  • Education around staying safe, including online safety and digital wellbeing
  • Opportunities for students to learn about risk, responsibility and making informed choices

Working with Parents and the Community

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. We work closely with parents, carers and external agencies to ensure the best possible support for our students.

If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, please contact our safeguarding leader, immediately.


Safeguarding Policy

To read our safeguarding policy, please visit our Policies & Documents page by click here.


Operation Encompass

The school has been given the opportunity to take part in a project that will run jointly between schools and Dorset Police.

Operation Encompass is the notification to schools when a child or young person has experienced any domestic abuse, this information will be shared with the schools.

Operation Encompass will ensure that senior safeguarding members of the school staff, (DSL/DDSLs) known as a Key Adults, are trained to allow them to receive information from the police and to use the information that has been shared, in confidence, while ensuring that the school is able to make provision for possible difficulties experienced by children, or their families, who have been involved in a domestic abuse incident.

We are keen to offer the best support possible to all our pupils and we believe this will be extremely beneficial for all those involved.

More information is available here:

Operation CompassDownloadOperation Compass Parent PosterDownload
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