Keeping children safe is a responsibility that we take extremely seriously. We believe that we have systems in place that have enabled to do this consistently, expanding our own knowledge and processes in line with Government guidelines (for example by incorporating advice to prevent extremism and radicalisation – the PREVENT duty) to ensure that staff are always aware of any child who may not be safe and that they know what to do in this situation.
To achieve this, we use a safeguarding policy that makes explicitly clear to staff the actions that need to be taken should they have any concerns about children. This is supported by regular, updated continuous professional development for all staff and a commitment to train volunteers who come into contact with children in school to also be trained in child protection. As a school, we check the background of all employees and volunteers also through DBS checks to ensure that there is as little risk as possible to our children.
Visitors to the school have to complete a computerised visit book: the benefits of this are that we have photographs of visitors as well as details, displayed on bespoke badges that are displayed so that everyone knows a visitor has been registered. It helps safeguard everyone in school, even the visitor, as it makes our register of who is in school complete – which is essential if the school has to be evacuated.
Below is our safeguarding policy. It sets out our approach. If you have concerns about the safety of a child, you can click the red button on our home page at any time to find out how to report your concern, also available on this link.
Child Protection Policy Sept 2024
More safeguarding resources.
Our safeguarding policy is designed to bring together lots of different aspects of safeguarding and child protection. In practice, it draws on many sources of information, some of which are included below for a more detailed view.
SEAT Harmful Sexual Behaviour- Peer on Peer abuse Policy
Keeping Children Safe In Education 2023
Information Sharing – Advice for Safeguarding Practitioners
Supporting pupils with medical conditions
FGM information from NHS Choices
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006
Essex LADO information leaflet
Child Sexual Exploitation letter to Parents
Paper copies of information and policies are available on request, for free, from the school office.