Abel Smith School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, volunteers and members of the school community to share this commitment. When concerned about the welfare of a child, you should always act in the interests of the child.

The governing body has a responsibility to ensure that an appropriate senior member of staff is appointed to the role of designated safeguarding lead (DSL). The DSL and their deputies will always be available (during school hours) to discuss any safeguarding concerns. At Abel Smith, the safeguarding team consists of the following people:

If you have any concerns about a child’s welfare, please ask to speak to the DSL or their deputies. They can be contacted by telephoning the main school number: 01992 583244 or email: admin@abelsmith.herts.sch.uk

Operation Encompass

Our school is part of Operation Encompass. This is an early intervention safeguarding partnership between police and educational establishments, which supports children and young people who experience Domestic Abuse. Operation Encompass means that the police will share information about Domestic Abuse incidents with our school PRIOR to the start of the next school day when they have been called to a domestic incident.

Online Safety

Abel Smith school recognises that internet, mobile and digital technologies provide a good opportunity for children and young people to learn, socialise and play, provided they are safe. The digital world is an amazing place, but with few rules.  It is vast and fast moving and young people’s future economic success may be partly dependent on their online skills and reputation.  We are, therefore, committed to ensuring that all pupils, staff and governors will be able to use internet, mobile and digital technologies safely.  This is part of our safeguarding responsibility. Our Online Safety policy outlines the systems we use in school, the way we teach the pupils to behave in a responsible and respectful manner when using technology and how to report anything they are uncomfortable with online. The Online Safety policy can be found by clicking the link below.

Online Safety Resources

To support your child's understanding of how to stay safe online, you can access resources including games, videos and stories which will further embed their awareness of how to stay safe when using technology both in and out of school. Click on the link below to access the resources.