Safeguarding in School

‘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 safeguarding children.’
Keeping Children Safe in Education

Tadcaster Grammar School is committed to providing a caring, positive and safe environment in which each student’s welfare is of paramount importance. We promote a climate where students and adults feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others and a culture that encourages our young people to talk openly, and have the confidence they will be listened to.


We follow the DfE guidance from:

You can read our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy here

You can read our STARMAT Safeguarding Statement here


Sharing Concerns

Should you have a concern about the welfare of a young person, you can access support by sharing this with our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr Riain Vernon, or if he is not available one of his deputies, as soon as possible by calling 01937 833466 or by emailing r.vernon@tgs.starmat.uk. Our aim is to ensure that all necessary support is available to our students and families.

Designated Safeguarding Officers

Mr Riain Vernon Designated Senior Safeguarding Lead (Deputy Headteacher)
Mrs Dawn Oughtibridge
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr John Fox
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Members of the Safeguarding Team:

Miss Hall – Year 7 Leader
Ms Forrester- Year 8 Leader
Ms Higginson – Year 9 Leader
Mr Punt – Year 10 Leader
Mrs Kenny – Year 11 Leader
Mrs Carroll – Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Oughtibridge – SENCo
Mr Parkinson – Headteacher
Mr Vernon – Deputy Headteacher


If however, you are not happy with the actions of those in school responsible for Safeguarding or you cannot contact anyone please contact the relevant local authority:

North Yorkshire – If you believe the situation is urgent but does not require the police, please call 01609 780780 to make a telephone contact.

City of York – contact the Children and Young People’s Services through the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). If your concern is outside of normal office hours, you should contact the emergency duty team.
During Office Hours : By phone: 01904 551900, Email: childrensfrontdoor@york.gov.uk
Outside Office Hours : Emergency Duty Team (for evenings, weekends and bank holidays): 01609 780780

Leeds – You can call Children’s Social Work Services on 0113 222 4403 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, except Wednesdays when we’re open from 10am).