Everyone in the education service shares an objective to help keep children and young people safe by contributing to: providing a safe environment, identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm and taking appropriate action.

 

This page is here to make sure that everyone in our community understands what is expected of us. If you have any concerns at all, please seek advice from our Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection who is Keith Smithard.

 

Remember, safeguarding is all of our responsibility - it can happen anywhere. 

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When and what might I be concerned about?

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At any time, you may be concerned about information which suggests a child is being neglected or experiencing physical, emotional or sexual harm.

 

You may observe physical signs, notice changes in the child's behaviour or presentation, pick up signs of emotional distress or have a child disclose a harmful experience to you.

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Harm to a child can be caused by:

• A parent/carer A family member/friend

• Another child

• A stranger

• A member of staff/volunteer *

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What should I do if a child discloses that s/he is being harmed?

1. Listen - Listen carefully to what is being said to you, do not interrupt.

2. Reassure - Reassure the pupil that it is not their fault. Stress that it was the right thing to tell. Be calm, attentive and non-judgemental. Do not promise to keep what is said a secret. Ask non-leading questions (TED) to clarify if necessary:

 

• Tell me more…

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• Explain that to me…

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• Describe what happened….

 

Then follow the steps in the flowchart below.

 

What must I do?

 

Recognise your concern

 

Respond – inform your DSL/Deputy DSL without delay (or Headteacher or Chair of Governors where appropriate)

 

Make a written record (using the child’s own words), sign and date it

 

Pass the record to the DSL/Deputy DSL (where appropriate)

 

What should I do if the alleged abuser is a member of the school staff / volunteer?

 

If your concern is about a staff member or volunteer, you should report this to the Head Teacher. If your concern is about the Head Teacher, you should report such allegations to the Chair of Governors. Contact details can be found at the bottom of this page.

 

How do I ensure my behaviour is always appropriate?

 

Please ask a member of the Senior Leadership Team for school guidance regarding Safer Working Practice. The Guidance for Safer Working Practices (May 2019). This publication can be found on Safer Recruitment Consortium website:  

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Contacts

 

The school has a Child Protection Policy and a copy is available on the Statutory Information page

 

In line with this, regardless of the source of harm, you MUST report your concern.

 

Head Teacher: Keith Smithard

 

DSL: Keith Smithard

 

Deputy DSL: Ruth Clinton

 

Contact your DSL/DDSL at/on: 01727 849700

 

Chair of Governors: Adam Brown & Alex Farley

 

Contact them through the school office on: 01727 849700

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If it is an emergency please dial 999

 

You can find a copy of the assembly we hold with children at the start of the year here:

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