Safeguarding

What is Safeguarding? 

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. 

In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all at The Good Shepherd ensure the approach is child-centred. This means that Good Shepherd consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

The Good Shepherd recognise that no single practitioner can have a full picture of a child’s needs and circumstances. If children and families are to receive the right help at the right time, everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action.

The purpose of safeguarding children is to:

  • Protect them from abuse, maltreatment and exploitation.
  • Prevent anything from harming their health or development.
  • Ensure they can grow up under safe and effective care.
  • Take action to ensure they have the best outcomes in life.

As part of our Safeguarding offer, The Good Shepherd and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi Academy Trust (OLoL CAMT) have a team of people who lead on safeguarding our students, they are our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) contact details:

Celine Toner – Headteacher (DSL)
Tel: 0115 926 2983
Email: head@goodshepherd.notts.sch.uk

James Barfield (Co Headteacher and Deputy DSL)
Tel: 0115 926 2983
Email: jbarfield@goodshepherd.notts.sch.uk

Ella Shajpal (Deputy DSL) – on maternity leave from September 2026.
Tel: 0115 926 2983
Email: esmallwood@goodshepherd.notts.sch.uk 

Clare Brunton (Deputy DSL)
Tel: 0115 926 2983
Email: cbrunton@goodshepherd.notts.sch.uk

Natasha Oben,  Governors(Nominated child protection governors)
Tel: 0115 926 2983
Email: noben@goodshepherd.notts.sch.uk

Tina Wright (Nottingham City Education Safeguarding Officer)
Tel: 0115 8765501
Email: Tina.wright@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 

Eva Callaghan (Nottinghamshire County Designated Officer (LADO))
Tel: 0115 9773921

Derbyshire County Designated Officer (LADO):
Tel: 01629 533190

Safeguarding hotline number for OLoL:
Tel: 01158550557
This will be diverted to our safeguarding team between 9am-3pm weekdays, and will send a voicemail to the safeguarding team outside of these times.

Moira Dales (Trust Safeguarding Lead)
Tel:07852133114
Email: m.dales@ololcatholicmat.co.uk

Contextual Safeguarding

Keeping Children Safe

At The Good Shepherd Academy, the safety and well-being of our children is of paramount importance. We work hard to protect our children from harm and danger by teaching them and equipping them with the skills necessary to keep themselves safe.

We have a culture of safeguarding within school and our curriculum reflects this. We take part in a variety of different initiatives where outside agencies come into school to talk to the children about the various ways they can keep themselves safe.

We are aware of contextual safeguarding risks such as online harm, child‑on‑child abuse, antisocial behaviour in local areas, and unsafe use of public spaces. Some pupils may also experience challenges linked to deprivation, family stress, housing instability or mental health, which can impact wellbeing and safety. We recognise that as pupils grow older, increased independence and digital access can bring new risks.

Guided by our Catholic values of dignity, care and community, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff are trained to notice changes in behaviour, listen carefully to pupils, and act promptly on concerns. We work closely with families and external agencies, fostering a culture where children feel safe, heard and confident to speak up.

For more information about Safeguarding at The Good Shepherd, please see our safeguarding policies on the school website or pop in to speak with one of the DSL’s who will be more than happy to discuss our policy and procedures with you as well as offer support and guidance regarding the safety and well-being of children.