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Safeguarding

As a school we have a duty to protect all children and keep them safe. Child Protection is the process of protecting children and young people who have been identified as suffering, or are likely to suffer harm as a result of abuse.

THE WELFARE AND SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE

Safeguarding

As a school we have a duty to protect all children and keep them safe. Parents and children attend school every day with the expectation that the school provides a secure environment in which pupils can flourish and develop. Children know there are adults in school who they can approach if they are worried about anything.

Our school will ensure the environment is safe and secure and is one in which children are encouraged to talk freely about anything that concerns them, including allegations against other pupils.   A culture of vigilance is proactively promoted to ensure the wellbeing of each member within our school community.

Safeguarding is the action that everyone takes all of the time to keep all children safe. For example:

  • Protect children from any type of harm
  • Ensure children are safe and well cared for
  • Take action so that all children are able to grow up in a safe environment
  • Teach children how to keep themselves safe

Child protection

Child protection is the process of protecting children and young people who have been identified as suffering, or ae likely to suffer harm as a result of abuse.

There are four types of abuse:

  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Emotional
  • Neglect

How we fulfil our Child Protection Duty at Holy Trinity?

We have a Child Protection Policy which is supported by an ‘umbrella’ of safeguarding policies. We train all staff and volunteers regularly to ensure that they are aware of the signs of abuse and know the processes to follow when they have a concern. We also train all adults regarding their conduct and duties around working with children.

All adults in school have a duty to report any concern about a child to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

We have a duty to talk to other agencies such as Children’s Social Care and the Police if we think that any child may have suffered abuse or may be at risk of abuse.

What Happens When We Have a Concern?

When we have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of any child we will discuss this with the parents or carers, unless we think that doing so would put that child at further risk.

When appropriate, we will share relevant information with Sutton Children’s Services.  Any disclosure of physical chastisement must be reported to children’s services.

A Social Worker may consult with other agencies before deciding what action to take. They will speak to parents or carers about the concern and keep them informed about what is happening.

If an allegation is made about an adult who works in school, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Children’s Social Services and the Police will be informed. Parents and / or carers of any child involved will be kept informed of the processes and outcomes as appropriate.

All children have the right to be protected from harm

Some Things That You Can Do to Help Your Child Keep Safe

  • Talk to your child about their day and how they are feeling.
  • For older children – make sure you know who your child’s friends are and where your child is going if they are out alone.
  • Take care with any internet access that your child may have. The ‘ThinkuKnow’ website is useful for parents and we can also offer you advice. Allowing your child inappropriate access to the internet is a child protection issue.
  • Make sure your child does not have access to social media sites – for most of these sites children should be aged at least 13 to have an account.
  • Reinforce road safety – we will teach this in school and you can help by reminding your child about road safety.
  • Reinforce stranger danger without scaring them – most people are ok but children need to be aware.
  • We teach the NSPCC ‘Pants Rule’ in school – talk to your child about this and what it means. Click here to learn more.
  • Work with us. We want to build good relationships with parents and carers – we are here to help and we want the best for your child and your family

Parents and carers have a right to expect schools to provide a safe and secure environment for all pupils 

Key People Involved in Child Protection and Safeguarding at Holy Trinity CE Junior School

Everyone is responsible for protecting all children, but all schools must have a senior member of staff who is responsible for Child Protection and Safeguarding. This is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is:

Mrs S Robins  – Deputy Headteacher

If Mrs Robins is not available the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are:

Mrs S Gruffydd – Headteacher

Mrs A Cooper – SENDCo

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Governor is Mrs Brenda Rogers.

If you need some support or you have a concern about any child we are always willing to help.

Please contact the School Office and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The school is working with the police in a project called Operation Encompass.

Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person has been exposed to, or involved in, any domestic incident.

Operation Encompass will ensure that a member of the school staff, known as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, is trained to allow them to liaise with the police and to use the information that has been shared, in confidence, while ensuring that the school is able to make provision for possible difficulties experienced by children, or their families, who have been involved in, or exposed to, a domestic abuse incident.

Other Agencies Who Can Help

Together for Sutton:  is an independent, impartial, free and confidential information and advice service, the ideal contact if you are not sure who can help you professionally or personally.    togetherforsutton.org.uk

 

NSPCC guidance:

Children home alone: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/in-the-home/home-alone/

New guidance issued ‘Advice to parents and carers on keeping children safe from abuse and harm‘ brings together sources of information about the main  risks children may be particularly vulnerable to during the pandemic and signposts to available help and support.

 

Please find attached guidance from Sutton regarding safeguarding when choosing a club, tutor or coach for your child.

Safeguarding – Choosing a club, tutor or coach