Signature ………………………………………………….............................. (Chair Governors) Name: Date:…………….........................…… Signature ………………………...........................………………………….. (Headteacher) Name Date:…...........................…………… Signature ……………………...........…………………………….. (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Name: Date:……….........................…………
CONTENTS Page Named staff & initial contacts 4 Introduction 5 Safeguarding Commitment 6 and Responsibilities General 7 Governing Body 7-8 Headteacher 8-9 Designated Safeguarding Lead Records, Monitoring and Transfer 10 Support to pupils and School Staff 10-11 Other Relevant Policies 10-11 Recruitment and Selection of 12 Other Commitments 12-17 Useful links – Local and National 17 Appendix 1 – Definitions of abuse 20-26 Appendix 2 - Procedure to follow in cases of possible, alleged or suspected abuse 26 Appendix 3 - Procedure for allegations against staff and volunteers 28 Appendix 4- Protection Concern Form 30 Appendix 5 – Protection Follow Up Form 31 Appendix 6- Record sheet for physical signs 32 Appendix 7- Safer Practice Guidelines 33 Appendix 8 – Additional Information 34
Effective policies and procedures are in place and updated annually including a behaviour policy/“code of conduct” for staff and volunteers. Information is provided to the Local Authority (on behalf of the NSCB) through the Annual Section 11 Safeguarding Return; For schools this responsibilities is covered in the Education Act 2002 There is an individual member of the Governing Body who will champion issues to do with safeguarding children and child protection within the school, liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and provide information and reports to the Governing Body; The school contributes to inter-agency working in line with statutory guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children” 2015 and Northamptonshire County Council’s “Thresholds and Pathways Document” including providing a offer of early help for children who require this through the Early Help Assessment process. Safeguarding arrangements take into account the procedures and practice of the local authority and the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Board (NSCB). 3.3 Headteacher The Headteacher of the school will ensure that: The policies and procedures adopted by the Governing Body are effectively implemented, and followed by all staff; Sufficient resources and time are allocated to enable the Safeguarding Lead and other staff to discharge their responsibilities, including taking part in strategy discussions and other inter-agency meetings, and contributing to the assessment of children; Allegations of abuse or concerns that a member of staff or adult working at school may pose a risk of harm to a child or young person are notified to the Designated Officer (formerly LADO); All staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice in regard to children, and such concerns are addressed sensitively, confidentially and effectively in a timely manner; All staff are made aware that they have an individual responsibility to pass on safeguarding concerns and that if all else fails to report these directly to Children’s Social Care Services or the Police. Designated Safeguarding Lead The responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead are found in Annex B of “Keeping Children Safe in Education” 2016 and include: Provision of information to the LSCB/Local Authority on safeguarding and child protection;
8 Recruitment and Selection of Staff 8.1 The school’s safer recruitment processes are based on the Statutory Guidance: “Keeping Children Safe in Education” - 2016. 8.2 The school has an open safeguarding ethos regularly addressing safeguarding responsibilities during staff meetings and fostering an ongoing culture of vigilance. All new staff and volunteers receive a safeguarding induction and are briefed on the code of conduct for adults working with children this will include staff relationships with pupils and abuse of trust. The Northamptonshire County Council Local Authority Safeguarding Board Website; “Making Children Safer”, the “Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016’ – Section 1 – Information for all school and college staff” and the “Staff Code of Conduct” are given to all staff and are the basis for the safeguarding induction. 8.3 On every interview panel for school staff at least one member (teacher/manager or governor) will have undertaken safer recruitment training either online on the DfE website or by attending other another appropriate local or national accredited training course. 9 Information Sharing 9.1 Our school recognises the importance of Information sharing and follows statutory guidance as set out in ‘Information Sharing’ – Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers – March 2015 10 Relationships with Pupils As already described all staff will be made aware of their position of trust and we will adhere to regulations relating to the sexual offences act 2003 This trust extends to use of social media 11 Communications on Social We will comply with the Home Office and DFE guidance on use of social media and online activity by extremists to radicalise and recruit young people July 2015 We will take advice and use existing LSCB safeguarding and child protection procedures to refer if we have a concern We will make use of the national helpline 0207 3407264 12 Children Missing from Education 12.1 The school recognises the importance that all children are entitled to full time education is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have. 12.2 The school recognises a child missing from education is a potential indicator of abuse or neglect.