Safeguarding
'Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.'
(paragraph 2 of Part, Keeping Children Safe in Education, revised Sept 2018, HM Government)
At Peasedown St John Primary School we fully recognise our roles and responsibilities for safeguarding and child protection. Our children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or disability. They have a right to be safe in our school.
We use consistent, fair and thorough recruitment and selection procedures that aim to deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children and young people and to ensure that those recruited are suitable to work with them. Our Safeguarding policies apply to all staff, governors and volunteers working in our school. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Jenny Tombs. In her absence it is the Headteacher, Damian Knollys, with Michelle Proudler deputising and working alongside them. Our Safeguarding Governor is Chris Grant.
School Safeguarding Procedures - see our full Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
- If a member of staff has a concern that a child has been mistreated, either physically, emotionally, sexually or by neglect, they must report the matter immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Jenny Tombs)
- The member of staff will keep the matter confidential to as few people as need to know. If there is anyone who needs to be informed, the designated teacher will ensure this happens. Confidentiality is crucial.
- The member of staff will write an accurate record of what has occurred or been noticed and pass a signed and dated copy to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. These records will be filed into a locked drawer in the DSL's office. Information from notes may be passed onto social services and other agencies as required.
- If the Designated Safeguarding Lead decides to make a referral to Social Care or is instructed by Social Care to make a referral, this will be discussed with the family and we will seek to gain agreement. This will be done as long as such discussion and agreement seeking will not place a child at increased risk of significant harm. We will always contact the Social Care Team for advice if we are unsure about the best way to proceed with any concerns.
- The Social Care Department and the Police have a duty to investigate cases of suspected abuse. As a school we have a duty to co-operate with any such investigation. This might involve providing information, monitoring the child, or attending a Team Around the Child Meeting or Child Protection Conference.