Safeguarding

Child Protection Statement

We all have a statutory duty to “promote and safeguard the welfare or children” (section 175 Education Act 2002)

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment maintaining a cultural vigilance, where children are respected and valued. We will act quickly and follow our procedures to ensure children receive early help and effective support, protection and justice.

If you have any concerns about the health and safety of any child or young person in this school, or feel that something may be troubling them, you must share this information with an appropriate member of staff straight away. Please book an appointment to discuss your concern with the Headteacher or the Assistant Headteacher or visit school and see one of our Learning Mentors. Some issues e.g. a child’s appearance, hygiene or general behaviour can be shared with any teacher or member of support staff.

Do not worry that you may be reporting small matters – we would rather you tell us things that turn out to be small, rather than miss a worrying situation.

If you think however, that the matter is very serious and may be related to a child protection concern i.e. physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect, you MUST talk to one of the people below immediately.

Our Safeguarding Team:

Miss Clarkson

Mrs Mckechnie

Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Kirsten McKechnie

Deputy Safeguarding Leader: Miss Louise Clarkson

Safeguarding Governor: Mrs Sharon Butterfield

If you are unable to contact any of them you should ask the office staff to find them and ask them to speak to you straight away on an urgent confidential matter.

Any allegations or disclosure involving a member of staff, a child’s foster carer or a volunteer at this school MUST be reported directly to the Headteacher without delay. If the allegation involves the Headteacher it must be reported to the chair of Governors, again without delay.