Early Help & Safeguarding Needs
If you have concerns about a child, please complete the form below. If you feel a child is in immediate danger call 999 immediately.
Safeguarding as a Foundation for Sunnyfields' Vision, Ethos and Values
At Sunnyfields School, safeguarding is integral to our vision of developing "Strong Roots and Bright Futures." We recognise that children can only flourish academically, socially and emotionally when they feel safe, valued, supported and connected. Safeguarding is therefore not viewed as a separate responsibility but as the foundation upon which our ethos, values and ambitions for every child are built.
Our aim is for every child to feel part of a growing garden where they receive the care, support and environment needed to flourish. Effective safeguarding enables this vision to become a reality by ensuring that children's needs are identified early, barriers to learning are addressed promptly and vulnerable pupils receive the support they need to thrive. Through a culture of vigilance, care and inclusion, we create the conditions in which all children can develop the confidence, resilience and sense of belonging necessary for future success.
Safeguarding is reflected throughout our GARDEN values:
Grow Together reflects our commitment to creating a culture where children, families and staff work collaboratively to support one another. Strong relationships enable concerns to be identified early and ensure that children know there are trusted adults who will listen and help.
All Belong sits at the heart of our safeguarding culture. We believe that every child has the right to feel welcomed, valued and included. Our safeguarding practices actively promote inclusion, ensuring that vulnerable pupils, including those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and those known to children's social care, are fully supported and able to participate in all aspects of school life.
Respect For All underpins the way we promote positive relationships, dignity and mutual respect. Children learn how to keep themselves and others safe, understand boundaries and develop respect for diversity, helping to create a safe and supportive environment for all members of the school community.
Dig Deep reflects our commitment to building resilience and helping children develop the emotional strength to overcome challenges. Through pastoral support, mental health provision and early intervention, we equip children with strategies to manage difficulties safely and successfully.
Express Yourself is fundamental to safeguarding. We actively encourage children to communicate their thoughts, feelings and worries, knowing that pupil voice is a vital protective factor. Children are taught that their views matter and that there are trusted adults who will listen and act when concerns are raised.
Nurture Kindness is evident in the compassionate culture that permeates our school. Staff model empathy and care, while pupils are encouraged to support one another and demonstrate kindness in their daily interactions. This helps create an environment where children feel emotionally secure and confident to seek help when needed.
Our safeguarding approach extends beyond protecting children from harm. It encompasses promoting attendance, supporting mental health and wellbeing, strengthening family partnerships, developing positive behaviour, fostering inclusion and ensuring equitable access to opportunities. These elements are fundamental to helping children develop the strong roots of character, confidence, resilience and belonging described within our ethos.
As a result, pupils at Sunnyfields feel safe, respected and valued. They develop trusting relationships with adults, know how to seek help when needed and demonstrate increasing confidence, resilience and independence. Safeguarding is therefore not simply a statutory duty; it is a central element of our school culture that enables every child to flourish, develop strong roots and achieve a bright future
Doncaster’s Families Information Service provides access to a range of services for universal or more complex needs. You can use this directory of services and information to access support.
Always call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
Early Help
Early Help is a way of thinking and working together between services with families that have additional or more complex needs.
Early help is preventative, by providing support to families when a need is identified or as soon as a problem emerges at any point in a child’s life, from conception, through childhood and into adolescence. It can also prevent further problems arising by building resilience with families to find their own solutions in the future.
It should not be seen as a specific service, but any service, and crucially how services work collectively through tailored support packages for specific needs in individual families.
Please click on the link below, if you are worried about a child or have an Early Help enquiry. If you need information or advice about a child or young person before completing the form, call Early Help from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, on 01302 734110.
If you would like to talk to an adult in school about what Early Help involves, please contact Mrs Julie Hides our Parent Support Advisor at julie.hides@sunnyfields.doncaster.sch.uk
Support for Families in Need of Beds and Bedding
At Sunnyfields, we recognise that with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, essential household items such as beds and bedding can sometimes feel like a luxury. However, a good night’s sleep is vital for every child’s health, wellbeing, and ability to learn effectively.
Research shows that lack of proper sleep can have a negative impact on a child’s concentration, behaviour, and overall progress at school. As a school community, we are committed to ensuring that every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
If your child does not currently have a suitable bed, please speak confidentially to Mrs Hides or Mrs Gatt. We can make referrals to the Zarach Bed Charity, which supports low-income families by providing free beds and bedding.
To find out more about the charity and the support they offer, please click on the following link: