Early Help Offering and Safeguarding
"Staff provide extensive support and loving care for those who experience difficulties” (SIAMs, 2025)
At St James, we understand that every family can face challenging times. As a Church of England school, we take our role within the community seriously and are committed to offering compassionate, practical support to those in need.
If you or your family are struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.
As part of our universal Early Help provision, we offer:
- Washing facilities – including access to a shower and washing machine
- Uniform/clothes exchange – to ensure every child has what they need
- St James Food Bank – providing essential supplies for families
- Referrals to local support services – connecting you with wider community resources
If you require support, please contact the school office in confidence. We will do our utmost to help you navigate difficult times with dignity and care.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
As a school, we are highly committed to all aspects of safeguarding and promoting the health and welfare of our children.
Our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures
We have regularly reviewed and rigorous Safeguarding Policy and Procedures in place.
All staff including our volunteers and supply staff are required to ensure that they are aware of our procedures. All adults who work in the school are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) checks in addition to rigorous screening procedures.
All adults who work in the school are trained to take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils at the school.
Sharing Information
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will always ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with their parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that this is not in the child's best interests.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
The well-being of each child is the responsibility of the class teacher under the oversight of the Headteacher.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Miss Hazlewood (Associate Principal)
Tel: 01837 52341
Email: mhazlewood@dmatschools.org.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
Miss Dart, Miss Stevens, Mrs Pengelly and Ms Sparshatt
Tel: 01837 52341
Email: jdart@dmatschools.org.uk
gstevens@dmatschools.org.uk
hpengelly@stjamesokehampton.org.uk
ksparshatt@dmatschools.org.uk
Primary Advocate Board Chair - Emma Neath
Primary Parent and Pupil Advocate - Rosie Cope
Our Designated Lead for Looked After Children is Miss Hazlewood, Headteacher.
Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership
The Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership is a multi-agency collaboration between Devon County Council, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, and Devon & Cornwall Police, alongside education settings and other relevant organisations. Its core purpose is to ensure that children and young people in Devon are safe, protected from harm, and receive the right support at the right time.
The Partnership provides clear policies, procedures, and training to help schools and professionals safeguard effectively. By working together, Devon SCP promotes early help, strengthens family resilience, and coordinates responses to concerns about child welfare.
For more information, visit Devon SCP or contact the school if you have any safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding Policy
A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found below: