We believe that children have a right to feel safe and protected from any form of abuse and have a commitment to support this in the way children are treated and empowered by staff and the curriculum.

Principles

1. All school staff have a responsibility for action in cases of suspect child abuse.
2. Immediate action is required where there is serious suspicion of abuse.
3. Written records must be carefully made at each stage.

Aims and Objectives of School Child Protection Policy

• To develop an awareness in teaching and non-teaching staff of the need for child protection and their responsibilities in recognising and responding to abuse.
• To provide a clear statement on the school’s commitment and responsibility to the welfare of children.
• To provide a clear statement on how the school will act to promote the welfare of children.
• To integrate the key concepts of child protection into the school curriculum.
• To promote and safeguard the rights and needs of children.
• To establish standards of expected behaviour for pupils adults staff and governors based on respect for other people.
• To promote a caring environment in which self esteem of children can be nurtured and children empowered to protect themselves.
• To inform staff and pupils and parents of what action would be taken and which agencies need to be involved in responding to their concerns.

Guidelines

The school has a responsibility for the welfare of the children and the staff and will take the appropriate action to safeguard that welfare.

THE INTEREST OF THE CHILD IS PARAMOUNT

The school will follow the Education Department Child Protection Procedures for:

Urgent referrals
Other referrals
Allegations against a colleague
General school issues

Responsibilities

Designated Member of Staff: Teacher - Mrs Diana Rogers

Urgent Referrals

Anyone made aware of suspecting child abuse should take immediate action:
Actual physical injury, disclosure of abuse, and clear evidence of neglect justify an urgent referral.

School based staff should inform Mrs Diana Rogers who is the designated member of staff for child protection.
If Mrs Rogers is not available her responsibilities will be carried out by the Headmaster.
If an appropriate senior member of staff is not available then the member of staff must independently pursue the procedure. DO NOT WAIT.
To take action see: Child Protection Procedures.
Child Protection Procedures are found in the full policy document in the School Office.
All other referrals should be done in consultation with the Head.