Safeguarding
Our Safeguarding Statement
‘This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all children, and expects our staff and volunteers to share this commitment’
The Whartons Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This means that we have a Child Protection Policy and procedures in place which we refer to in our prospectus and staff handbook. Parents and carers are welcome to read the Policy on request or on our website.
In order to ensure that we comply with expectations, a number of procedures and practices are in place. These include:
- A ‘single central record’ with details of all employees, supply staff and volunteers.
- Records of any racist incidents.
- Records of any bullying and harassment incidents.
- Record of any welfare concerns.
- Risk assessments.
Our employment procedures within a Single Central Record include details of enhanced DBS checks, barred list check, proof of identity checks, a record of qualifications, evidence of permission to work and the date checks were made and by whom.
With regard to the appointment of staff, the recruitment panel includes at least one member who has been trained in safe recruitment practices and gained the necessary qualification.
We are also conscious of our responsibility to closely monitor and support recognised vulnerable groups of children (eg pupils who are ‘looked after’ or are on the child protection register). To help us discharge the duty, we work closely with key external agencies to ensure safeguarding practices are complied with.
We provide a secure site for our children and adults are asked to adhere to our rules. School gates are kept locked except at the start and end of the day. Visitors may enter only through the main entrance after signing in at the office.
Related documentation that support our safeguarding practice include our:
- Health and Safety policy
- Behaviour, Restorative Practice and Anti-bullying policy
- Child protection policy
- Attendance policy
- First Aid policy
- Confidential Reporting Policy
All staff are trained in relation to child protection and a school child protection officer has been identified:
Designated Senior Person (DSP) responsible for child protection
- Julia Dickson (Headteacher)
Deputy DSP
- Dominic Fisk (Assistant Headteacher)
- Carly Milner
Safeguarding Governor
- Naomi Bacon
Being safe and feeling safe are the two main outcomes for our children. We spend time talking to them to discuss any concerns and how effectively our policy operates in practice
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.
Domestic violence is now included in the 2022/23 Safeguarding Policy. Please see the letter below for further details.