Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We make every effort to provide a safe and welcoming environment underpinned by a culture of openness where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to. We maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. We also ensure children learn across the curriculum how to keep themselves and each other safe from relevant risks. We have active links with organisations, such as the NSPCC, who come in and lead assemblies and workshops with the children as well as promoting Childline 0800 1111. The quality of our approach was validated by OFSTED in November 2022 who reported that:
"The arrangements for safeguarding are effective." (OFSTED October 2022)
"Leaders and staff know pupils and their families well. They know how to protect pupils and are always vigilant." (OFSTED October 2022)
"Leaders are tenacious in ensuring that pupils and families receive the support they need." (OFSTED October 2022)
This approach was further validated by SIAMs inspectors during their successful visit in January 2019:
"Pupils feel ‘safe’ and ‘happy’ and overwhelmingly say that relationships are positive. Staff and parents agree." (SIAMs Jan 2019)
Report any Safeguarding Concerns
Any Safeguarding concerns must be reported to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), David Woolley. In his absence the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) is Sally-Ann Bird. If you have any concerns about your child or someone else's, please speak to us.
Alternatively, anyone can contact Children's Services on 0845 603 5620 to report any concerns. The NSPCC also have a helpline and can be contacted on 0800 800 5000.
Do You Need Help from Domestic Abuse?
If you think you may be a victim of domestic abuse and need some help the Domestic Abuse Helpline might be helpful 0808 2000 247 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help . If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can't speak and are calling from a mobile, press 55 to have the call transferred to the police.
Overview of Safeguarding Documentation and Training
The following overview is not exhaustive but gives an overview of most recent documentation and training given.
The two policies below are included within the Child Protection Policy above (and therefore approved at the same time) but are detailed below for ease of access and clarity:
Prevent Duty
As part of our safeguarding arrangements, we have due regard to the Prevent duty for Schools. Within our strong provision for social, moral, spiritual and cultural development, including British values, we encourage children to respect others and contribute to wider society. In this safeguarding context we promote their welfare and prevent radicalisation and extremism. Here is our Prevent Duty Risk Assessment:
The following amendment was made to a previous Child Protection Policy for a COVID closure period in 2021. This guidance could be used again should a similar situation arise or similar provision for remote interactivity be required.