Safeguarding at Beaconhill

Statement of Intent

Pupil safeguarding and the promotion of fundamental British values are embedded in our curriculum. Great importance is placed on identifying opportunities in the taught curriculum for children to learn about safeguarding, keeping safe and enabling children to identify risks and know how to access support if needed.

Our curriculum gives pupils opportunities to experience life in all its diversity; to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that significantly impact on personal development and behaviour; and equips every child with the knowledge and skills required for personal safeguarding.

We are sensitive in our teaching and recognise that some more sensitive subjects need to be taught at an age appropriate level, or at a small group or 1:1 level where a more urgent need arises.

We value pupils’ questions and give them space for their own thoughts, ideas and concerns. We give them opportunities across the curriculum to explore values, personal rights, responsibilities and equal opportunities. We also aim to develop moral concepts that impact positively on safeguarding, promote British values and prevent radicalisation and extremism.

The Children’s Act states that the child’s welfare is paramount and that every child has the right to protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The aim of our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures are to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by:

Prevention

All staff will endeavour to ensure that all children using the setting do so safely and appropriately, and are treated with respect and understanding. Beaconhill Primary School will organise routines and activities for children with a preventative, safeguarding purpose in mind. All staff will undergo an enhanced DBS check.

It is important to note that a person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups. An organisation, which knowingly employs someone who is barred to work with those groups, will also be breaking the law.

Our organisation works with children and if we dismiss a member of staff or volunteer because they have harmed a child or we would have done so if they had not left, we understand that we must tell the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Protect

Beaconhill Primary School will take all reasonable steps to safeguard and protect the rights, health and well-being of all children who are in our care. Beaconhill Primary School has a Safeguarding Policy, which is reviewed and updated annually.

Support

Child Protection training is mandatory for all staff and will be part of their induction programme. The designated safeguarding officers are the Headteacher and the Deputy Headteachers who will ensure that the staffs’ knowledge, understanding and practice of safeguarding children is current and up to date at all times. Where gaps are identified support and training will be mandatory. We recognise that child protection issues can be emotive and the designated safeguarding officer will offer support to any member of staff affected by this policy, whether directly or indirectly.

Beaconhill Primary School fully recognise its responsibilities for child protection. We intend to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.

Our fundamental responsibly is the welfare and well-being of the children in our care. In order to do this, we:

• Develop and implement procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases of abuse, including procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff or volunteer.
• Ensure we practice robust recruitment procedures in checking the suitability of staff/volunteers/students to work with children, this will include regular DBS checks.
• Ensure all staff have read and understood the child protection policy and procedures.
• Ensure all staff are confident in their knowledge, role and responsibilities. Our designated safeguarding officers for child protection have a clear role in school.
• Ensure all staff have completed the school based or online Child Protection training.
• Ensure every staff member knows who the designated child protection officers are.
• Ensure all staff understand all their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and their responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated child protection officer.
• Involve parents/carers wherever possible and ensure they understand the responsibilities placed on Beaconhill Primary staff) for safeguarding children by setting out its obligations in the policy and procedures file
• Raise awareness of child protection issues and equipping children with skills needed to keep themselves safe.
• Ensure staff are positive role models to children and other members of the team.
• Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with any enquires regarding child protection matters including attendance of case conferences.
• Keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately using CPOMS.
• Ensure that under the Data Protection Act 1998, we will register with the “Information Commissioner’s Office” (ICO) Telephone number: 01625 545 740 or www.ico.gov.uk and follow the guidelines required.
• Establish a safe environment in which children can learn and develop, particularly with their confidence and self-esteem and emotional well-being.
• Support children who are being supported through an agreed child protection/ child in need plan.

We recognise that because of the day to day contact with children, staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse.

Therefore, we will:

• Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk and are listened to.
• Ensure children know that there are adults in school whom they can approach if they are worried.
• Include opportunities in the curriculum to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.
• Give time at the beginning of every new school year to reaffirm school values, expectations and rules for living and learning at Beaconhill Primary School. This good start to the year, with everyone clear about their roles and responsibilities, sets the tone for the rest of the year and leads to excellent safeguarding outcomes.
• Remind parents and offer safeguarding resources to access through newsletters and the website.