King's Hedges Educational Federation Excellence, achieved through care, creativity and challenge. MENU Safeguarding 'The designated safeguarding leaders keep meticulous records of any concerns and ensure that they are followed up in a timely manner. Referrals are made to external agencies when necessary. Parents have total confidence in the school’s work and appreciate the advice they are given to help them keep their children safe. Parents report that they can approach the school with any problem and it will be addressed effectively.' OFSTED 2019 Safeguarding at King’s Hedges Educational Federation At King’s Hedges Educational Federation we are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for children, staff and people visiting the school. All are encouraged to raise any safeguarding concerns that may arise whilst in the school. Should any concerns arise, there are designated safeguarding staff who will respond to any concerns The Designated Lead is Miss S Merritt the Headtecaher. Miss J Gallacher is the Safeguarding Officer for the school. She also has experience as a ‘Prevent trainer’ Mrs C Smalley and Mrs B Stoneman (Deputies) are Designated Personnel Mrs Harvey leads Breakfast Club and After School Club and she has received Designated Personnel training. The Safeguarding Link Governor is Ms. Catherine Shimmin. She is a parent governor and can be contacted via the school office. All other staff in the school receive training so that they are able to identify and report any safeguarding concerns. The school has a duty to respond to concerns in line with The Education Act 2002: Under the Education Act 2002 (section 175), schools must make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Parents/carers should know that the law requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer, and where possible inform them of the referral to Social Care. This will only be done where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm. In accordance with local Information Sharing Protocols, we will ensure that information is shared effectively and sensitively. Information will only be shared with other services where it is deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure that children and young people are safe and receive the right service. Schools will seek advice from Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded. Parents/carers will appreciate that the designated person for child protection was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children. If you have concerns about a child attending the school you can speak with the school or if you have serious concerns you are able to discuss your concern with MASH team (Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub) Members of the public Telephone 0345 045 5203 or 01733 234 724 Email: MASH.C&F@cambridgeshire.gcsx.gov.uk If you are not a professional involved with the child or family, you do not have to give your name and your conversation will be treated confidentially. Safer Recruitment All volunteers and employees are vetted to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. Before applicants proceed with an intention to apply for a position or to support in the school are expected to take full consideration of the following points. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. They are required to disclose all previous criminal convictions and cautions on their application. Candidates will be provided with an induction process and will be expected to engage with this monitored process. The school will assess a candidate’s knowledge of safeguarding by asking specific questions about this area during the interview process and answers to this question will form part of the decision-making process. Our safeguarding policies and procedures will be explained during induction and on a regular basis; Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone. King’s Hedges complies with all guidance on Childcare Disqualification and we will seek further advice from appropriate bodies when necessary. Application forms must be completed in full. Particular attention must be made to work history and inform the school of any gaps in employment. Full details of qualifications will be required. References will be taken up prior to interviews and any discrepancies will be addressed during the interview process.Children are encouraged to think about keeping safe through all areas of the curriculum. This can be during PHSE lessons where relationships and behaviour can be explored, as well as risk taking. During Philosophy discussions topic will include safeguarding themes. Keeping safe whilst on line and when using IT is something that all children are taught as part of the computing lessons. The Role of the Governing Body The Governing body is required to meet its statutory duty as stated under section 3 (5) of the Children Act 1989. This refers to schools or any person who has care of a child ‘may …do what is reasonable in all circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child’s welfare’. Therefore it may be necessary for the school to ‘hold’ a child whilst an investigation of concerns is carried out by the Police and Social Care. © 2021 King's Hedges Educational Federation. Our school website is created using School Jotter, a Webanywhere product. [Administer Site] We use cookies to provide you with the best experience on our website. Read our Privacy Policy to find out more.