Safeguarding
Introduction
Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. It means:
- Protecting children from abuse and maltreatment.
- Preventing harm to children’s health or development.
- Ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care.
- Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.
The Safeguarding Process
Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer ‘significant harm’. Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation applies to all children up to the age of 18.
In order to ensure the safety of all children in our care, we are required to follow the child protection procedures as agreed by the local education authority and the academy trust. We will endeavour to share any concerns we may have regarding any injuries noted or other specific issues regarding the welfare of a child with their parents or carer. We will keep a record of any concerns raised and share them with the parents or carers if it is appropriate to do so. When the child moves schools, these records will be transferred to the new school. We will not keep copies of them.
We do have a duty to refer to social care if we suspect a child is at risk of significant harm. If we make a referral to social care, we will inform the parents or carers concerned, unless to do so would place the child at increased risk of significant harm. Our first concern will always be the welfare of the child. We will also advise the designated officer of the local education authority that a referral has been made.
Our Safeguarding Team
At Seend C of E Primary School, our designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is Holly Chivers.
Our deputy designated safeguarding lead's (DDSL) are Emma Hembury (Principal) and Gill Brindley (SENDCO).
The named governor responsible for safeguarding is Chris Downham.
If you are ever concerned about the safety or well-being of any child, please speak directly to:
- One of the named safeguarding leaders above.
- A member of the NSPCC safeguarding helpline on 0808 800 5000.
- A member of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0300 456 0108.