Child Protection Policy

Introduction 

West Bridgford School fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect children and support pupils in school. The aim of the policy is to safeguard and promote our pupils’ welfare, safety and health by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate. The pupils’ welfare is of paramount importance. 

There are four main elements to our Child Protection Policy:

This policy applies to all staff, governors and visitors to the school. 

Where the Governing body provides services or activities directly under the supervision or management of school staff, the school’s arrangements for child protection will apply. Where services or activities are provided separately by another body, the Governing Body should seek assurance that the body concerned has appropriate policies and procedures in place to safeguard and protect children and there are arrangements to liaise with the school on these matters where appropriate. 

School Commitment 

The school adopts an open and accepting attitude towards children as part of its responsibility for pastoral care. Staff hope that children and parents will feel free to talk about any concerns and will see school as a safe place when there are difficulties. Children’s worries and fears will be taken seriously and children are encouraged to seek help from members of staff. 

Our school will therefore: 

Roles and Responsibilities 

All adults working with or on behalf of children have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. There are, however, key people within schools and the LA who have specific responsibilities. The names of those carrying these responsibilities for the current year are listed on the cover sheet of this document. The Designated Person is a senior member of the school leadership team. 

The role of the Designated Person for Child Protection includes: 

Referrals 

Training 

·         To recognise how to identify signs of abuse and when it is appropriate to make a referral;

·         Have a working knowledge of how LSCB’s operate, the conduct of a child protection case conference, and be able to attend and contribute to these effectively when required to do so;

·         Ensure each member of staff has access to and understand the school’s child protection policy especially new or part-time staff who may work with different educational establishments;

·         Ensure all staff have induction training covering child protection and are able to recognise and report any concerns immediately they arise;

·         Be able to keep detailed, accurate and secure written records of referrals/concerns;

·         Obtain access to resources and attend any relevant or refresher training courses at least every two years. 

Raising Awareness 

Head Teacher 

The Head Teacher will ensure that: 

Governing Body 

The Governing body is accountable for ensuring that: 

The nominated Governor for child protection is Di McEvoy-Robinson.

The LA Child Protection contact is the Principal Education Welfare Officer. 

Procedures 

Where it is believed that a child may be suffering, or may be a risk of suffering significant harm, the school will follow the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. 

Information for parents is contained within the school’s brochure. 

Records and Monitoring 

Well kept records are essential to good child protection practice. All staff are clear about the need to record and report concerns about a child or children within our school. The Designated Person is responsible for such records and for deciding at what point these records should be passed over to other agencies. Child Protection records are held separately from a child’s school file and in secure storage. 

Supporting Pupils at Risk 

Our school recognises that children who are abused or who witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. This school may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk. Whilst at school, their behaviour may still be challenging and defiant, and there may even be moves to consider suspension or exclusion from school. 

It is also recognised that some children who have experienced abuse may in turn abuse others. This requires a considered, sensitive approach in order that the child can receive appropriate help and support. 

This school will endeavour to support pupils through: 

The available UK evidence on the extent of abuse among disabled children suggests that some may be especially vulnerable to abuse, for example those who have difficulty communicating. School staff who work, in any capacity, with children and profound and multiple disabilities, sensory impairment and/or emotional and behaviour problems will be particularly sensitive to signs of abuse. 

It must also be stressed that in a home where there is domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, children may also be vulnerable and in need of support.

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This policy complements and supports a range of other polices, including: 

All school policies and procedures relating to safeguarding children will be reviewed annually. 

Policy prepared by      :           Miss E Hampson (Assistant Headteacher)

Quality assured by      :           Ms S Bailey (Asst Safeguarding Children Officer, LA)

Date of issue               :           February 2009