Reporting Concerns
REPORTING CONCERNS
Worried about a child?
At Wistaston Academy, the safety and wellbeing of our children is our highest priority.
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child, please do not ignore your concern. You do not need to be certain that a child is being abused or neglected before seeking advice. If you are worried, it is important to share your concern so that the appropriate support can be considered.
If a child is in immediate danger
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the Police.
Please do not wait for school or Children's Social Care to respond if a child is in immediate danger.
Cheshire East – Safeguarding Children
If you have a safeguarding concern about a child who lives in Cheshire East, contact:
Cheshire East Integrated Front Door
0300 123 5012
Option 3, then Option 2
The Integrated Front Door is the first point of contact for concerns about the safety and welfare of children and young people in Cheshire East. They can provide advice, support and guidance and, where necessary, arrange for further assessment or intervention.
You should contact the Integrated Front Door if you are concerned about a child's:
safety or wellbeing
care or supervision
exposure to abuse or neglect
risk of exploitation or harm
physical or emotional welfare.
If you are unsure whether your concern is serious enough to report, you can still contact the Integrated Front Door for advice.
Integrated Front Door – Office Hours
0300 123 5012 (Option 3, then Option 2)
Monday to Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Emergency Duty Team – Out of Hours
For urgent safeguarding or child protection concerns outside normal office hours, contact:
Cheshire East Emergency Duty Team
0300 123 5022
If a child is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
Safeguarding concerns about children living in another local authority
If your concern relates to a child who lives outside Cheshire East, you should contact the Children's Social Care or safeguarding service in the local authority where the child lives.
Cheshire West and Chester
Office Hours: 01606 275099
Monday to Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Emergency Duty Team – Out of Hours: 01244 977277
If you are unsure which local authority to contact, you can contact the Cheshire East Integrated Front Door for advice.
Reporting a concern to Wistaston Academy
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child attending Wistaston Academy, you can speak to a member of our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Our safeguarding lead will listen to your concern and ensure that it is responded to appropriately. Information will be shared with other agencies where necessary to safeguard a child.
If you have an immediate concern about a child's safety, please contact the Police on 999 rather than waiting to contact school.
Other useful contacts
Police – Emergency: 999
For a child in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm.
Police – Non-Emergency: 101
For concerns requiring police assistance that are not an emergency.
Childline: 0800 1111
A free, confidential service for children and young people.
Remember
If you are worried about a child, report your concern.
You do not need to investigate the situation yourself or be certain that abuse or neglect is taking place. If you have a concern, it is always better to seek advice.
