EXMINSTER COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

To download a PDF version of the Safeguarding Policy click here

Our Vision

To create the best possible environment in which to stimulate the personal and social growth of the children in our school, whilst promoting high quality teaching and learning.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. School Designated Officers (Child Protection Officers): Carol Glover and Bob Foale

LADO:Local Authority Designated Officer

SDO: School Designated Officer

PSHCE: Personal Social Health Citizenship Education

CYPS: Children’s and Young Person’s Service

1.0 Introduction

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004; the Education Act 2002, and in line with government publications: "Working Together to Safeguard Children'' 2006, "Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families'' 2000, "What to do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused" 2003. The guidance reflects ''Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education'' DfES Jan 2007.

The governing body takes seriously its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm. We recognise that all adults, including temporary staff*, volunteers and governors, have a full and active part to play in protecting our pupils from harm, and that the child's welfare is our paramount concern.*Wherever the word "staff" is used, it covers ALL staff on site, including ancillary supply and self employed staff, contractors, volunteers working with children etc, and governors All staff believe that our school should provide a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.

The aims of this policy are:

To support the child's development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.

To provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, and feel confident, and know how to, approach adults if they are in difficulties, believing they will be effectively listened to.

To raise the awareness of all teaching and non-teaching staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.

To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we, the school, contribute to assessments of need and support packages for those children.

To emphasize the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff.

To develop a structured procedure within the school which will be followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse.

To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the Police and Social Care.

To ensure that all staff working within our school who have substantial access to children have been checked as to their suitability, including verification of their identity, qualifications, and a satisfactory List 99 or Enhanced CRB check (according to guidance), and a single central record is kept for audit.

Safe School, Safe Staff

We will ensure that:

All members of the governing body understand and fulfil their responsibilities.

We have a senior designated officer for safeguarding and a deputy, both of whom have undertaken the DSCB Two Day Level 3 Multi-Agency Safeguarding Children Training and who undertake to update their training at least every 2 years.

All members of staff are provided with child protection awareness at induction, including in their arrival pack, the school safeguarding policy listing designated school officers.

The Headteacher, where he/she is not the SDO, and all other staff and governors, have child protection awareness training, to be arranged by the SDO every 3 years, to maintain their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse.

All members of staff, volunteers, and governors know how to respond to a pupil who discloses abuse through delivery of the awareness raising pack "What to do if you are worried a child is being abused".

All parents/carers are made aware of the responsibilities of staff members with regard to child protection procedures through publication of the schools' Safeguarding Policy, and reference to it in our introductory school pack.

Our lettings policy will seek to ensure the suitability of adults working with children on school sites at any time.

Community users organizing activities for children are aware of the school's child protection guidelines and procedures.

We will ensure that child protection type concerns or allegations against adults working in school are referred to the LADO* for advice, and that any member of staff found not suitable to work with children will be notified to the Independent Safeguarding Authority** for consideration for barring, following resignation, dismissal, or when we cease to use their service in the case of a volunteer.

*LADO Local Authority Designated Officer for allegations against staff.**Contactthe LADO for guidance in any case.

Our procedures will be regularly reviewed and up-dated. The name of the Child Protection Officers for Safeguarding, will be clearly displayed on the management room door. All new members of staff will be given a copy of our safeguarding statement, and safeguarding policy, with the SDO's name clearly displayed, as part of their induction into the school.

Responsibilities

The SDO is responsible for:

Referring a child, if there are concerns about possible abuse, to CYPS and acting as a focal point for staff to discuss concerns. Referrals should be made in writing, following a telephone call.

Keeping written records of concerns about a child even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.

Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely, separate from pupil records, until the child's 25th birthday, and are copied on to the child's next school or college. Reports and records will not be emailed.

Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the pupil records.

Liaising with other agencies and professionals.

Ensuring that either they or the class teacher attends case conferences, core groups, or other multi-agency planning meetings, contributes to assessments, and provides a report which has been shared with the parents.

Ensuring that any pupil currently with a child protection plan who is absent without explanation for two days is referred to their key worker's Social Care Team.

Organizing child protection induction and update training every 3 years, for all school staff.

Providing, with the Headteacher, an annual report for the governing body, detailing any changes to the policy and procedures; training undertaken by the SDO, and by all staff and governors; number and type of incidents/cases, and number of children with child protection plans (anonymised).

Supporting Children

We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses violence may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame themselves, and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self worth. We recognise that the school may provide the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm. We accept that research shows that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn. Our school will support all pupils by:

Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness, through the curriculum as well as our relationships, whilst not condoning aggression or bullying.

Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school.

Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.

Notifying Social Care as soon as there is a significant concern.

Providing continuing support to a pupil about whom there have been concerns who leaves the school by ensuring that appropriate information is copied under confidential cover to the pupil's new school and ensuring the school medical records are forwarded as a matter of priority.

Confidentiality (see separate policy)

We recognise that all matters relating to safeguarding are confidential. The Headteacher or SDO will disclose any information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.

All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children. All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child's safety or wellbeing. We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Social Care with their parents/carers unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with CYPS on this point.

Supporting Staff

We recognise that staff working in the school who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm, may find the situation stressful and upsetting. We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the SDO and to seek further support as appropriate.

Allegations against staff

All school staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults. All staff should be aware of the school's own behaviour management policy. Guidance about conduct and safe practice will be given at induction.

We understand that a pupil may make an allegation against a member of staff. If such an allegation is made, or information is received which suggests that a person may be unsuitable to work with children, the member of staff receiving the allegation or aware of the information, will immediately inform the Headteacher.*

*or Chair of Governors in the event of an allegation against the Headteacher.

The Headteacher on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the Duty LADO. If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the Headteacher, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Chair of Governors who will consult as above, without notifying the Headteacher first. The school will follow the Devon County Council procedures for managing allegations against staff. Under no circumstances will we send a child home, pending such an investigation, unless this advice is given exceptionally, as a result of an Allegations/ Senior Strategy Meeting.*

*The term Allegations or Senior Strategy Meeting covers any urgent formal strategy discussion which may take place by telephone between the police, social care, and education managers, requiring action prior to the first meeting.

Suspension of the member of staff, excluding the Headteacher, against whom an allegation has been made, needs careful consideration, and the headteacher will seek the advice of the LADO and Personnel Consultant in making this decision. In the event of an allegation against the Headteacher, the decision to suspend will be made by the Chair of Governors with advice as above. We have a procedure for managing the suspension of a contract for a community user in the event of an allegation arising in that context.

Whistle-blowing (see separate policy)

We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so. All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the management of child protection, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues. If it becomes necessary to consult outside the school, they should speak in the first instance, to the LADO following the Whistleblowing Policy.

Physical intervention

Our Individual Handling plans are set out separately for individual children, and acknowledges that staff must only ever use physical intervention as a last resort, when a child is endangering him/herself or others and that at all times it must be the minimal force necessary to prevent injury to another person. Such events should be recorded and signed by a witness. Staff who are likely to need to use physical intervention will be appropriately trained. We understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures. We recognise that touch is appropriate in the context of working with children, and all staff have been given "Safe Practice'' guidance to ensure they are clear about their professional boundary.

Bullying (see separate policy)

Our policy on bullying is set out in a separate document and acknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to consideration under child protection procedures. This includes cyber, racist, homophobic and gender related bullying.

Racist Incidents (see separate policy)

Our policy on racist incidents is set out separately, and acknowledges that repeated racist incidents or a single serious incident may lead to consideration under child protection procedures.

Prevention

We recognise that the school plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our pupils by providing pupils with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection. The school community will therefore:

Work to establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to.

Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the school whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.

Include across the curriculum, including PSHCE, opportunities which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should turn for help.

Health & Safety (see separate policy)

Our Health & Safety/ICT policy, set out in a separate document, reflects the consideration we give to the protection of our children both physically within the school environment, and for example in relation to internet use, and when away from the school when undertaking school trips and visits. This policy was adopted on: 25th February 2010

The policy is to be reviewed: February 2011

What is the Fairer Funding Petition?

Fairer Funding is an issue that is close to the heart of the governors and staff of Exminster Community Primary School. The ongoing campaign highlights the need for us all to get involved and sign the petition. With a roll of 310, this would have a huge impact for us and could put an extra £100,000 in our school budget.

Campaign aims

Devon schools want a fairer Government funding system that:

recognises every child matters equally
ends the postcode lottery of education funding in this country.

So that every child receives the same opportunity and quality of education wherever they live.

Ten key facts about funding for schools in Devon

The Government distributes funding for schools through local councils and each education authority historically has received different funding
Devon is the 148th lowest funded out of 151 education authorities in England
This year Devon is receiving £3,842 for every pupil
The top funded authority in the country - City of London - receives £7,603
The national average is £4,217
So every pupil in a Devon school is effectively worth £375 less - every year - than the national average. This amounts to £35 million less funding for Devon children's education
For a 1,000-pupil secondary school in Devon this amounts to £375,000 lost from the budget every year
For a 200-pupil primary school in Devon this amounts to £75,000 lost from the budget every year
But all schools face similar costs wherever they are. Staff pay is set nationally, not locally
And Devon schools often pay higher energy bills and have higher travel costs than other parts of England.

If you want to sign the petition please visit the link below:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/handsup4schools/

Thank you to the 120 families who kindly filled in the whole school questionnaire as well as all those parents of Reception aged children who completed an additional one.

We received the following feedback:

		Negative	Neutral	Positive
1.	My child likes school	7%	3%	90%
2.	My child is making good progress at school	2%	5%	93%
3.	Behaviour in school is good	3%	4%	93%
4.	My child receives the right amount of homework	15%	8%	77%
5.	Teaching is good	2%	8%	90%
6.	I am kept well informed of my child’s progress	2%	9%	89%
7.	I am comfortable seeing the school with problems	1%	6%	93%
8.	School expects my child to achieve their best	3%	6%	91%
9.	The school works closely with parents	4%	8%	88%
10.	The school is well led and managed	3%	7%	90%
11.	School helps children be more mature and responsible	0%	7%	93%
12.	We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities	12%	16%	72%
13.	There’s a well planned and maintained outside environment	4%	13%	83%
14.	I know who the school governors are	17%	13%	70%
15.	The school has steadily improved in the last year	7%	33%	60%
16.	We should operate an inclusive policy for ALL children	11%	19%	70%
17.	School has clear aims and objectives which we understand	3%	15%	82%
18.	The school offers a well balanced curriculum	2%	3%	95%
19.	We are successful in meeting new challenges	2%	20%	78%

Freedom of Information (PDF Download)

Introduction

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act gives any person the legal right to ask for and be given any information which is held by a public authority.

Exminster Community Primary School, responsible to Devon County Council (the Local Education Authority (LEA) for the County of Devon), constitutes a public authority as defined by the FOI Act.

Exminster Community Primary School Policy

Exminster Community Primary School will follow the guidance on appropriate limits and fees set out at http://www.foi.gov.uk/practitioner/feesguidance.htm. Where necessary, a fee may be charged to cover costs associated with formatting, reproducing or posting requested materials.

Note that some materials are exempt under the FOI Act, for example:

- where disclosure might be harmful to important public interest

- where disclosure is prohibited by statute

- where responding to the request might involve providing personal information about other individuals

- where disclosure might breach a duty of confidentiality.

Assessing requests for information can therefore be a balancing act but where requested information cannot be provided a full explanation will be given and help provided to reformulate the request into a permissible form.

An introduction to exemptions can be found at http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/guidance/exintro/index.htm.

Publication Scheme

Certain information is already available on the school website at

http://www.exminster-primary.devon.sch.uk - without the need for a specific request. Please use the website to see if what you are looking for already exists.

Exminster Community Primary School is committed to being open and transparent and as such will be constantly publishing more information on this website.

Making a Request under the FOI Act

Contact us with your request, giving as much detail as possible, putting 'FOI Request' in the subject line. We will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible but please bear in mind there may sometimes be a short delay.

Further Information

The Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) is the government department with responsibility for Freedom of Information and Data Protection Policy. Its website is at http://www.foi.gov.uk.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is available online at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2000/20000036.htm.

Grievance Procedures

Step 1 – Discuss with Class Teacher

Step 2 – Raise issue with Head Teacher

Step 3 – Contact Chair of Governors who will instigate grievance procedures