At Etherley Lane Nursery and Primary Federation, we regard the safeguarding of all pupils as our main priority – it is threaded throughout everything we do. Safeguarding is at the centre of our practice and policies. We believe that all pupils have the right to be happy, to be safe and to learn and work in partnership with all members of the school community to protect our children from harm. It is the responsibility of everyone who comes into contact with children to keep them safe.
We will ensure that:
- All pupils, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender identity, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual orientation have the right to be safe and protected from harm.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- All staff and volunteers at Etherley Lane have a responsibility to report any concerns to the designated leads for safeguarding.
Members of Staff Responsible for Safeguarding
At Etherley Lane the designated lead for safeguarding is Mrs Lee, she is the Single Point of Contact (SPOC). The deputy designated leads for safeguarding are Mrs Jeavons and Mrs Coxon.
Areas of Safeguarding
Our safeguarding policies cover all areas of school life and include:
- Staff and Visitors – we ask all staff and visitors to sign in and identification tags are issued for staff and visitors to wear whilst they are in school. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is vetted, informed and trained. Staff are trained in child protection issues and they are aware of the procedures to follow. Staff are encouraged to be vigilant in order to maintain the safety of our pupils. All staff and volunteers are given a copy of the relevant documentation outlining safeguarding procedures at Etherley Lane. They are also referred to the document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024.
- Safer Recruitment – we follow strict procedures to ensure pupils are safe. On-going checks and ‘whistle-blowing’ are in line with current policy.
- Children’s Behaviour – we promote safe and happy behaviours and lifestyles. This is embedded in our curriculum.
- Parents and Carers – we encourage collaboration and support families – if you need any help or support please contact Mrs Lee, Mrs Jeavons or Mrs Coxon.
- Premises – we keep children safe in our environment and ensure it is fit for purpose.
- Curriculum – we provide positive learning experiences and we teach children how to keep themselves safe. Our curriculum is enhanced by visits and visitors e.g. community police, road safety team, Dog’s trust, Show Racism the Red Card and the railway.
- Online Safety – we work with a number of professionals to ensure that children are knowledgeable about dangers online and how to protect themselves.
- Outside School – we work in collaboration with others to ensure that children work in safe environments and participate in safe activities when out of school.
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
All staff have an up-to-date understanding of safeguarding children issues and are able to implement the safeguarding policy and procedures (see School Policies).
Staff are able to respond appropriately to any:
- significant changes in a pupil’s behaviour;
- deterioration in general well-being;
- unexplained marks, bruising or signs of possible abuse;
- signs of neglect;
- comments pupils make which may give cause for concern;
All staff are aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
Information Sharing
We have an obligation to collect necessary information from parents and carers in advance of a pupil being admitted to school including:
- emergency contact numbers;
- the child’s special dietary requirements;
- the child’s special health requirements;
- information about who has the legal contact with the child and parental responsibility for the child.
Written parental permission is requested, at the time of the child’s admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.
PARENTS AND CARERS MUST TELL US OF ANY CHANGES TO THESE DETAILS
Links with External Agencies
Our first concern must be the well-being of the pupil. There may be some occasions where liaise with other agencies before we contact parents. The procedures we follow have been laid down in accordance with the Local Authority Child Protection Procedures.
Other agencies we work with include the school nurse, community police, health practitioners, social services, behaviour support, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), educational psychologists etc. and specialists who support pupils with specific needs.
Please request our complaints policy if you have any comments or complaints about our safeguarding procedures.
Review of Policy and Practice
Our policies and practice are reviewed at least annually to incorporate the latest statutory guidance and Department of Education information.
