SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Whitelands Park Primary School takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in its care. “The welfare of the child is paramount” (Children Act 1989). This policy applies to all pupils, staff, governors, volunteers, contractors and visitors to Whitelands Park Primary School. This school recognises it is responsible for making contacts and referrals rather than making enquiries and investigating.

There are five main elements to this Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy:

a)    Ensuring we practice Safer Recruitment processes in line with national legislation, by using at least one suitably trained recruiter on all interview panels and ensuring the completion of all necessary checks for Staff, Governors and volunteers.

b)    Establishing a whole school Safeguarding culture in which children can learn and develop. This can be achieved by the creation of a positive school atmosphere and teaching, and the pastoral support offered to pupils.

c)    Protection, by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to child protection concerns. Raising the awareness of child protection issues and equipping children with the skills needed to keep them safe.

d)    Developing and then implementing procedures for

• Identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse
• Offering support to pupils who may be at risk of, or vulnerable, to violent and non-violent extremist or terrorist narrative
• Offering support to pupils who may be at risk of criminal/sexual exploitation
• Recognising and offering support to pupils who are victims of sexual harassment and/or sexual violence
• Offering support to children who have social workers
• Offering support to children to improve their mental health.

 e)    Support to pupils who may have been abused, including peer-on-peer abuse

The school aims to ensure that:

• Safeguarding is an integral part of the school’s ethos and all adults and pupils in our school community feel safe and secure, are encouraged to talk and are listened to.
• Appropriate action is taken in a timely manner to safeguard and promote children’s welfare
• All staff are aware of their statutory responsibilities in respect to safeguarding
• Staff are properly trained in recognising and reporting safeguarding issues.

The school’s approach to safeguarding is further described in additional school procedures and policies, particularly the Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.