Child protection forms part of the school’s safeguarding responsibilities.
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils.
We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.
We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect, and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
We are proud of our school. As a team of highly professional colleagues we will do everything in our power to ensure our school aims are met, and as a result, your child’s experience of school will be enriching, enjoyable and fulfilling. In order to best achieve this, we want to work in a genuine partnership with parents.
We follow procedures set out by the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP), our Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) curriculum; our e-safety curriculum, pastoral support and adopt the guidance issued by the Department for Education (DfE).
School Safeguarding Team
Our school has a number of members of staff who are responsible for safeguarding:
- Rachel Evans-Cook – Head of School & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Dominic Davis – Executive Headteacher & Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
- Katherine Edwards – Class Teacher & Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
- Emma Cowley – School Business Manager (DDSL)
- Kate Drew – Nursery Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Safeguarding Procedures & Cause for Concern
Our first priority is a child’s welfare and as such, we recognise the need to provide a safe environment and to take reasonable action to ensure the safety of all our children. The school, through its curriculum, promotes safeguarding by teaching how to stay safe, how to protect themselves and how to take responsibility for their own and others’ safety.
However, there may be occasions when we have reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill-treatment or other forms of abuse and are therefore at risk of harm. We will always discuss these concerns with his/ her parents or carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare. In these cases, school is obliged to follow the Child Protection procedures detailed in the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and will inform Children’s Services of the concern.
If you are concerned about a child’s safety or well-being, or would like to know more about Safeguarding and Child Protection procedures at our school, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the school safeguarding team on on 01386 830462.
Useful Links
If you would like further information about keeping your child safe, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has lots of advice and guidance:
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe
Contact Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP) for local procedures:
https://www.safeguardingworcestershire.org.uk/
Operation Encompass is a Police and Education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people exposed to domestic abuse:
PEGS is a social enterprise set up to support parents, carers and guardians who are experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (including those with adult offspring).
The Key Safeguarding supports schools and every single member of staff to get safeguarding right, every time.
safeguarding.thekeysupport.com
Supporting Families/ Early Help
We recognise the challenges that families face in bringing up children. There may be times when you need extra help and support. If this is the case, please come and talk to us. There are many ways our school can help and support you and your family.
For more information, please refer to our Supporting Families/ Early Help page.
Safeguarding Policies
For policies relating to Safeguarding & Child Protection, please visit our Policies page.