SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Introduction THIS DOCUMENT IS a statement of the aims, principles and strategies for Safeguarding and Child Protection at North Downs Primary School. IT WAS DEVELOPED through a process of consultation with teaching and nonteaching staff. IT WAS APPROVED by the Governors in Autumn 2012 THIS POLICY WILL BE REVIEWED annually in the Autumn term. North Downs Primary School recognises that the welfare of the child is paramount and takes seriously its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to

safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm. All staff believe that our school should provide a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child. We recognise that all adults, including temporary staff, volunteers and governors, have a full and active part to play in protecting our pupils from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern. An agreed definition of safeguarding is: ‘All agencies take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised. Where there are concerns, all agencies take action to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies’ Joint Chief Inspectors’ report 2002. Promoting welfare involves ‘creating opportunities to enable children to have optimum life chances in adulthood’ – Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (Government guidance 2000). This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004; the Education Act 2002, and in line with government publications: “Working Together to Safeguard Children” 2006, North Downs Primary School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy  

 

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“Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families” 2000, “What to do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused” updated 2007. The guidance reflects “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” DfES Sept 2006, and Surrey Safeguarding Children Board SSCB Child Protection Procedures. Aims The aims of this policy are: • •

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To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence. To provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident, and know how to approach adults if they are in difficulties, believing they will be effectively listened to. To raise the awareness of all teaching and non-teaching staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse. To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we, the school, contribute to assessments of need and support packages for those children. To emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff. To develop a structured procedure within the school which will be followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse. To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the Police and Social Care. To ensure that all staff working within our school who have substantial access to children have been checked as to their suitability, including verification of their identity, qualifications, and a satisfactory Children’s Barred List or CRB check (according to guidance)3, and a single central record is kept for audit.

Safe School, Safe Staff We recognise that the school plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our pupils by providing pupils with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection. The school community will therefore: • • •

Work to establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to. Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the school whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty. Include across the curriculum, including PSHCE, opportunities which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should turn for help.

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We will ensure that: • •

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All members of the Governing Body understand and fulfill their responsibilities. We have a designated senior member of staff, our Child Protection Liaison Officer (CPLO), and two deputies, all of whom have undertaken the SSCB Child Protection Foundation Training and who undertake other training and update their training at least every 2 years. All members of staff are provided with child protection awareness training at induction, including in their arrival pack. They will also be given a copy of our safeguarding statement, and safeguarding/child protection policy, with the CPLO’s name clearly displayed. All staff and governors, have safeguarding awareness training, updated every 3 years, to maintain their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse. All members of staff, volunteers, and governors know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse through delivery of the Awareness Raising pack, which includes guidance on how staff should respond to any concerns. All parents/carers are made aware of the responsibilities of staff members with regard to child protection procedures through publication of the school’s Child Protection Policy on the school website and with hardcopies available in the school office, and with reference made to it in our introductory school pack. Our lettings policy will seek to ensure the suitability of adults working with children on school sites at any time. Community users organising activities for children are made aware of the school’s child protection guidelines and procedures. We will ensure that any member of staff found not suitable to work with children will be notified to the appropriate bodies including the DfE for consideration for inclusion on Children’s Barred List for education staff Our procedures will be regularly reviewed and up-dated. The name of the Designated member of staff for Child Protection (CPLO) will be clearly advertised in the school, with a statement explaining the school’s role in referring and monitoring cases of suspected abuse.

‘Every Child Matters’ When the government published ‘Every Child Matters’ it raised 5 key issues that were deemed essential in the complete development of each and every child, in that we have a duty to ensure that each child: • • •

Stays safe Is healthy Is able to enjoy and achieve

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• Is able to achieve economic well-being • Makes a positive contribution There was a clearly stated need that, while each area of society has an important part to play in child development, schools must embrace the document both individually and collaboratively. The government has published a policy “Safeguarding Children” (DfES/027/2004) and this school has used this in formulating its own safeguarding statement. The North Downs Primary School Safeguarding Children Statement At North Downs the health and safety of all children is of paramount importance. Parents send their children to school each day with the expectation that school provides a secure environment in which their children can flourish. We therefore have to ensure that this expectation becomes reality. In order to do this a wide range of measures are put in place: Health and Safety Policy The school has a health and safety policy, which is monitored regularly by the relevant committee of the school governors. The Headteacher, Senior Leadereship team and the Governors oversee the policy. Any concerns from staff are reported to any of the above who carries out an initial examination, assessing what remedial action needs to take place. The Business Manager has a book where issues can be reported. Each term there is a fire drill that practises efficient evacuation from the buildings and also an invacuation into the building if an incident is occurring outside. The school also practises evacuation from the classrooms in the event that an incident occurs in the classroom. The school conducts a full Fire Risk Assessment. There is also a critical incidents plan that details what staff and parents should do in the case of emergencies. Risk Assessments are in place for all key areas as recommended by the LA. Individual risk assessments for children and adults are used where they have a specific or personal need. They may be produced for theirs and others safety either in school or on a trip. First Aid In school there are always trained members of staff who volunteer to oversee first aid. There are a number of first aid kits situated around school. When a child is poorly, or has suffered an accident in school or on the playground there is a protocol for staff to follow: • • • •

A trained first aider is consulted The incident is logged in the accident book – Kept in the school medical room For injuries a letter is issued by the school office If there is any doubt at all a parent is contacted.

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School policy is that no members of staff will give medicines; the children are encouraged to self administer under supervision or parents are encouraged to where possible administer the medicine themselves. However, specific requests are discussed and agreed at the discretion of the Headteacher. For the majority of medicines, however, a dose before and after school is perfectly adequate. Naturally the parents should consult doctors before giving any form of medication. For matters of an intimate nature staff are advised to deal with a child with utmost sensitivity and always to seek guidance from the Headteacher or CPLO. In almost all situations the parents will be asked to come into school immediately so that they are part of the decision making process for such matters. In rare circumstances the school nurse will be contacted as a matter of utmost urgency before the parent. See also: Policy for Administration of Medicine Site security North Downs provides a secure site, but the site is only as secure as the people who use it. Therefore all people on the site have to adhere to the rules which govern it. Laxity can cause potential problems to safeguarding. Therefore: • • • • • •

Gates should be locked at playtimes and lunchtimes. All exit doors should be closed to prevent intrusion. Visitors must only enter through the main entrance and after signing in at the office. They should be given a visitors sticker on entry. Children will only be allowed home with adults with parental responsibility or confirmed permission. Children should never be allowed to leave school alone during school hours. Children are permitted to leave school if collected by an adult and signed out. Should a child leave the school premises without permission, staff have been advised never to chase after a child, but rather to report immediately to the office. Parents and police will be informed of the circumstances.

Attendance Excellent attendance is expected of all children, but when children are unwell parents are expected to confirm absence by telephone or email. If there is no notification school has a policy of phoning home to ascertain each child’s whereabouts (First Day Callout). The school works closely with the Local Authority’s Welfare officer whenever a child’s attendance and punctuality causes concern. Attendance rates are reported each term to the LA, annually to the government and to all parents. Positive measures are in place to encourage children to attend regularly and punctually and the school is aware of its right to take legal action against parents who do not ensure good attendance and punctuality. North Downs Primary School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy  

 

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Staff appointment and induction All staff that are appointed to work in school must have an enhanced criminal records search (DBS check). This search highlights people who have a criminal record or against whom previous allegations have been made. If staff are found to have a criminal record the appointment is reconsidered by the Headteacher and the Governing Body. The LA is informed directly by the Criminal Records Bureau. The Headteacher sits on all appointment panels where the candidates are external applicants. The Headteacher has undertaken the CWDC training on Safer Recruitment. New staff are inducted into safeguarding practices. Newly appointed staff are assigned a mentor for the induction period and it is the responsibility of the mentor to familiarise new staff with safeguarding policy and procedures. Induction of volunteers All volunteers must also have DBS clearance in line with Surrey LA guidance. Welcoming visitors It is assumed that visitors with a professional role i.e the School Nurse or members of the police already have relevant clearance but the office will endeavour to check this before admittance is granted and a note made of anyone entering without clearance. (See also Site Security). Curriculum links The curriculum deals with safeguarding in two ways. Firstly, in subjects such as Personal, Social and Health Education relevant issues are discussed with the children. Topics include such themes as Keeping Safe and Stranger Danger. Children are encouraged to explore and discuss these issues. Secondly, the curriculum is designed so that safety issues relating to the subject are discussed and safe practices taught, such as using equipment properly in PE and Design and Technology. At all times there has to be appropriate staffing levels and when the curriculum is taken out of school appropriate and agreed pupil/adult ratios are maintained. The lead adult always assesses visits as to the level of risk and all trips are finally authorised by the Headteacher. Model risk assessments are available for the staff on the shared drive. Visiting speakers, with correct clearance, are always welcome into school so that they can share their specialist knowledge with the children. Internet Safety Children should be encouraged to use the internet as much as is possible, but at all times in a safe way. The school uses the RM cache pilot which has a rigorous screening filter. Parents are asked if they agree to their child using the internet. Pupils must never be left unattended whilst online and teachers should ensure that this does not happen. All staff have received training within E Safety and pupils have had assemblies highlighting dangers and misuse of the internet. If teachers know of misuse, either by a teacher or child, the issue should be reported to the North Downs Primary School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy  

 

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Headteacher without delay. As CPLO, the Headteacher has overall responsibility for internet safety. See also: E Safety policy which includes use of mobile phones. Equal opportunities Within the school prospectus there is a statement regarding equal opportunities which asserts: “we value every child equally, irrespective of their ability, gender or race.” Children with disabilities must be able to take as far as possible an active part in every lesson and every measure must be taken to ensure this. Race Equality Race Equality is incorporated within our Single Equality policy. We want our children to be prepared for an ethnically diverse society. The school will work hard to promote racial equality and harmony by preventing and challenging racism. If anyone ever feels unjustly treated then the school welcomes and values a response. Racism is tackled in both the RE and in the PSHCE curriculum. The children take part in discussions designed to raise awareness and address prejudices. From time to time visitors also work with the children. All racist incidents are reported to the Local Authority and Governing Body on a termly basis. Behaviour policy Good behaviour is essential in any community and at North Downs we have high expectations for this. Although the emphasis is always on the positive there are also times when children have to be disciplined in order to maintain the safety and security of all children. There are numerous rewards available to children: • • • • •

Stickers and other class based acknowledgement Showing another teacher good work Certificates Headteacher’s award stickers ‘Celebration’ assembly

Sanctions range from: • A warning. • Time out or isolation • Send to a member of SLT • Loss of playtime and/or lunchtime play • Discussion with parents • Exclusion

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Anti Bullying Policy Bullying is defined as: ‘deliberately hurtful behaviour, which is unprovoked, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. The three main types of bullying are: physical (hitting, kicking, theft); verbal (name calling, racist remarks); indirect (spreading rumours, excluding someone from social groups, cyber bullying). Bullying is not simply two children falling out with each other.’ The school’s response to this is unequivocal. Adults must be informed immediately and action will be taken. Children are told that silence is the bully’s best friend. Although bullying in this school is rare the school always acts swiftly with a process of investigation, communication and action. Bullies will not be tolerated. There is a more detailed Anti-bullying Policy section within the Behaviour policy. This includes homophobic and gender related bullying. Photographing and videoing There has been a lot of controversy about adults photographing and filming young people. The concerns are genuine. However, we have taken a sensible, balanced approach, which allows parents to photograph and film providing they follow certain guidelines: • •

Parents consent to school taking photographs by signing a permission slip and this states that all photos/moving image will be for private use only and shared amongst family but will not be published on public sites. School photographs that are for use outside of school are anonymous unless specific permission has been received from parents.

Child Protection Procedures The designated adults for Child Protection are Angela Ewing (CPLO), Steve Wade (Deputy CPLO) and Teresa Judd (Deputy CPLO) and the designated governor is Sharon Evans. It is the Governing Body’s duty to ensure the Safeguarding and Child Protection policy is reviewed annually and any deficiencies within the policy addressed immediately. Responsibilities The CPLO is responsible for: • Referring a child if there are concerns about possible abuse, to the Contact Centre Children’s Team, and acting as a focal point for staff to discuss concerns. Referrals should be made in writing, using the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) where possible, keeping written records of concerns about a child even if there is no need to make an immediate referral. All new referrals go to the SCC Contact centre 0300 300 1006 operating 8.00am to 6.00pm. or email [email protected]

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CPLOs may consult with an Assessment Team Manager by telephoning 01483 517345. In an emergency out of hours, referrals can be made to the Emergency Duty Team on 01483 517898. On line forms available at www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreycaf

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Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from pupil records. Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the pupil records. Liaising with other agencies and professionals. Ensuring that either they or the class teacher attends case conferences, core groups, or other multi-agency planning meetings, contributes to assessments, and provides a report which has been shared with the parents. Ensuring that any pupil currently on the child protection register who is absent without explanation for two days is referred to their key worker’s Social Care Team. Organising child protection induction, and update training every 3 years, for all school staff. Providing a termly report to the Children, Learning and Standards Committee. An annual report for the Governing Body, detailing any changes to the policy and procedures; training undertaken by the CPLO, and by all other staff and governors; number and type of incidents/cases, and number of children on the child protection register (anonymised)

Supporting Children We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses violence may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame themselves, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self worth. We recognise that the school may provide the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm and accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn. Our school will support all pupils by: • • • • •

Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness, through the curriculum as well as our relationships, whilst not condoning aggression or bullying. Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school. Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children. Notifying Social Care as soon as there is a significant concern. Providing continuing support to a pupil about whom there have been concerns who leaves the school by ensuring that appropriate information is copied under

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confidential cover to the pupil’s new school and ensuring the school medical records are forwarded as a matter of priority. Confidentiality We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential. The Headteacher / CPLO will disclose any information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis only. All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children. All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or wellbeing. We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Social Care with their parents /carers unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with an Assistant Team Manager at the Contact Centre Children’s Team on this point. Supporting Staff We recognise that staff working in the school who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting. We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the CPLO and to seek further support as appropriate. Allegations against staff All school staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults. All Staff should be aware of Surrey’s Guidance on Behaviour Issues, and the school’s own Behaviour Management policy. Guidance about conduct and safe practice will be given at induction. We understand that a pupil may make an allegation against a member of staff. If such an allegation is made, or information is received which suggests that a person may be unsuitable to work with children, the member of staff receiving the allegation or aware of the information, will immediately inform the Headteacher. The Headteacher on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Tel 01372 833341, or 07968 834948. If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the Headteacher, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Chair of Governors who will consult the LADO as above, without notifying the Headteacher first. The school will follow the Surrey procedures for managing allegations against staff. Under no circumstances will we send a child home, pending such an investigation, unless this advice is given exceptionally, as a result of a Strategy Meeting. North Downs Primary School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy  

 

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Suspension of the member of staff, excluding the Headteacher, against whom an allegation has been made, needs careful consideration, and the Headteacher will seek the advice of the AEO and Personnel Consultant in making this decision. In the event of an allegation against the Headteacher, the decision to suspend will be made by the Chair of Governors after consultation with the LADO . We have a procedure for managing the suspension of a contract for a community user in the event of an allegation arising in that context. Whistle-blowing We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so. All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the management of child protection, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues. If it becomes necessary to consult outside the school, they should speak in the first instance, to the Area Education Officer following the School’s Whistle blowing Policy. Physical Intervention This school follows DCSF guideline 10/98 which asserts that physical restraint may be used if there is the possibility that a child may be about to cause harm to him/ herself or to another. Such events should be recorded and signed by a witness. On no occasion should such physical contact be used as a punishment. Key staff have received Positive Handling training. All allegations of abuse by or complaints about a teacher will be dealt with following the Local Safeguarding Board procedures. For any complaints about the Headteacher the Chair of Governors should be contacted directly. We understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures. Monitoring and evaluation The purpose of monitoring and evaluation is to raise the overall quality of safeguarding children, in particular child protection, record keeping and reporting. Monitoring will include: • •

Scrutiny of recording (by Headteacher and Governors’ Children, Learning and Standards Committee) Quality of reporting in terms of schools expectations (by Headteacher and Governors’ Children, Learning and Standards Committee).

Review The Children, Learning and Standards Committee are responsible for reviewing this policy and its effects on practice.

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