Safeguarding

• recognising the importance of safeguarding and the promotion of children’s welfare at all times.
• working together to ensure that Safeguarding is embedded in all the school’s processes and procedures and at the heart of our school to provide an ethos and environment that will help children to be safe and feel safe.
• respecting and encouraging children to talk openly. We recognise that it is important to develop children’s emotional literacy to help children express how they feel.
• understanding that children with SEND are more vulnerable and need additional support to gain their views in whichever way is more meaningful to them
• ensuring all our staff understand safe professional practice and adhere to our safeguarding policies.
• expecting that if any member of our community has a safeguarding concern about any child or adult, they should act immediately. This includes out of hours when the DSL may not be available to speak to, in which case a direct referral should be made to social services.
• Staff and other adults working with children at Oakthorpe are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned.
• knowing that the best interests of children always come first. All children (defined as those up to the age of 18) have a right to be heard and to have their wishes and feelings taken into account and all children regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection.

Promotion/sharing of information

• making sure pupils, parents, staff and all adults that come into contact with children know the systems and the support in place to keep children safe and there is a culture of vigilance permeating across the school

Working with parents and other agencies

• to ensure timely, appropriate communications and actions are undertaken when safeguarding concerns arise.

Prevention

• positive, supportive, vigilant, open and safe culture. Well taught curriculum that includes relationships and online safety, pastoral opportunities for children and safer recruitment procedures

Protection

• following the agreed procedures, ensuring all staff are trained and supported to recognise and respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns.

Support

• for all learners, parents and staff, and where appropriate specific interventions that are required for those who may be at risk of harm.