At Hesleden Primary School, the safeguarding of children is a main priority. We believe that children have the right to be happy, to be safe and to learn. We all have the responsibility to make this happen.
We will ensure that:
- The welfare of the children is promoted and protected.
- All children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to be protected from harm.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- All staff and volunteers working at our school have a responsibility to report concerns to the Designated Lead for Safeguarding: Mrs Dunn (& Mrs Johnson or Mrs Fletcher)
Our safeguarding procedures cover all areas of school, including:
- Staff & Visitors – DBS certificates, up to date information and training
- Children’s Behaviour – Respecting rights and promoting independent learners; taking responsibility for own behaviour and supporting others
- Curriculum – Providing positive learning experiences; online learning, citizenship, SRE
- Parents & Carers – Supporting families, links through Family Fridays
- Premises – Keeping them safe, well-maintained & fit for purpose
- Outside School – Ensuring safe spaces and appropriate activities
Appropriate recruitment procedures are followed and Mrs Dunn and Mr Stafford (Governor) are trained in ‘Safer Recruitment’. We follow strict procedures to ensure that everyone who works with our children is vetted. Ongoing checks and ‘whistle-blowing’ are in line with current policy.
Staff are trained in Child Protection and Safeguarding and they are aware of the procedures to follow. This training relates to the Policy ‘Child Protection with Safeguarding’ and they are encouraged to be vigilant in order to maintain the safety of our children. All Staff & Volunteers have a copy of ‘Behaviour Guidelines for Staff & Volunteers’, ‘Dos and Don’ts’ and ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023’. Safeguarding updates are provided to staff and governors each term.
2023_Keeping Chidren Safe In Education
We are fortunate to be able to call upon External Agencies to support the work we do in school. These include School Nurse, or other Health Practitioners, Educational Psychology, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, One Point or Social Services and Specialists in supporting Special Educational Needs. Parental consent to engage with these agencies is generally required; however, there may be occasions when we have to consult other agencies before we contact you if the concern for your child’s well-being requires this. Any procedures followed are set by, and followed from the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership.
All staff are aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality, but understand that we collect and hold necessary information, including:
- emergency contact numbers
- special dietary requirements, preferences or food allergies
- special health requirements
- information about who has legal contact / parental responsibility
- permission to the seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment
We take confidentiality very seriously. Any information which we hold is treated as confidential and shared on a ‘need-to-know’ basis, following ‘Information Sharing’ guidelines.
Where concerns are raised, and which are not resolved satisfactorily, we have a Concerns/Complaints policy. This enables children, staff and carers to report anything they feel is of concern. This process should be followed:
- Class Teacher
- Head Teacher
- Chair of Governors
- Local Authority
Our policies and procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure the latest statutory guidance is included and followed.
If you would like more information on safeguarding, all of our policies are available in school, or by clicking here.