This policy links to the whole school Child Protection Policy, based on the Bucks CC LA policy. The policy covers safeguarding across the whole school including the EYFS. With regard to safeguarding at Gateway:
- The school operates safer recruitment procedures. This includes all members of staff undergoing enhanced CRB checks before starting work.
- The school organises regular Safeguarding training for the staff every three years, through Bucks CC. Safeguarding training is also part of our recruitment and staff induction
- The school has a Lead Officer responsible for child protection
- All students are supervised at all times
- Written parental permission is obtained upon entry, before children are taken on outings
- The school has an open door policy, this allows any issues regarding safeguarding to be raised without delay
Our Lead Officer for Safeguarding children is Astrid Axson. The Lead Officer and Deputy will undertake training every two years, in child protection and inter-agency working. The Lead Officer is the ‘designated person’ within the school and has the status and authority to take responsibility for child protection matters. The Deputy Lead Officer for the whole school and the designated person for EYFS is Sue Kemp.
Practice at Gateway
Our daily practice is designed to build good relationships with parents so that concerns are raised within that context. Records of changes in behaviour, appearance, bruises and marks are kept and acted upon. Children are encouraged to talk to members of staff and are listened to, so that they are confident and equipped to talk to a member of staff if abuse happens. Staff know how to respond to disclosures by not asking further questions. Disclosures are reported to the Lead officer who follows the procedure above.
Where any deficiencies or weaknesses are identified either in safeguarding procedures or the enactment of procedure; these will be remedied without delay. All Staff are obliged to report any deficiencies or weaknesses.
Awareness of Safeguarding
All staff at this school have an up-to-date understanding of safeguarding children issues and are aware of how to respond to:
- Significant changes in children’s behaviour
- Deterioration in their general well-being
- Unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse
- Neglect
- Comments children make which give cause for concern
Communicating Referrals
Staff are available to discuss initial concerns with parents/carers and offer support and assistance. Should a member of staff have concerns about the well being of a child they will inform either the lead officer, or in the officer’s absence the Headteacher or member of SMT, who will take the following action:
- Speak to the child’s key worker / class teacher / tutor
- Speak to Parents/carers
- Speak to the Lead officer
- Speak to the Head teacher
If the Lead officer still has concerns about the child:
- Contact Social Services, OFSTED and if necessary, the police, and take advice.
All members of staff have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate steps are taken. If a member of staff suspects that sexual abuse has occurred, the Lead Officer for Safeguarding Children, Headteacher and the Head of EYU may contact Social Services without first speaking to parents. For all other concerns, parents will be consulted immediately.
Allegations against Staff
If an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff or a volunteer, the Lead officer and Head teacher will launch an investigation and disciplinary procedures. The BSCB and Ofsted will be informed.
In the event the allegation is against the Headteacher; the proprietor will be responsible for launching an investigation. The BSCB and Ofsted will be informed.
If a member of staff is dismissed or internally disciplined because of misconduct against a child, Ofsted and the Dept of Health administrators are informed so the name may be included on the List for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.
Monitoring and Review
The proprietor along with the Headteacher will be responsible for the review of child protection policies and the efficiency with which these duties have been discharged. This will involve appraisal of the Lead Officer and the Senior Tutor, Head of EYFS/KS1 and Head of Year 3 and 4 in relation to their duties.
Further information relevant to this policy
Links to:
Children Act 1989 and 2004
The Protection of Children Act 2001
Every Child Matters
Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education
Contact details for Social Services:
High Wycombe, Chilterns and South Bucks area:
Buckinghamshire County Council, Council Offices, Easton Street, High Wycombe, HP11 1NH
Telephone: 01494 475000
Contact details for Ofsted:
- Write to us at Ofsted, National Business Unit, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
- Telephone us on 08456 404040 (the person you speak to may transfer your call to a colleague who is more able to help).