Safeguarding

 In Safe Hands -  Information for Parents about Safeguarding at Godinton Primary School

 

At Godinton Primary School the safeguarding of all children is of paramount importance. Parents send their children to school each day with the expectation that school provides a secure environment in which their children can flourish. This section of the website outlines the ways in which Godinton meets these safeguarding responsibilities.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all members of our school community and as such the information contained below applies to everyone.

For details of all aspects of safeguarding at Godinton, please read the document 'In Safe Hands' which can be accessed from the link below. This includes information about health and safety, attendance, medical needs, emotional welfare and pastoral support.

 

Safeguarding (Child Protection Policy)

 

The safety and welfare of children, or child protection, is the collective responsibility of all members of our school community. Within our school the designated lead for Safeguarding (Child Protection) is Miss Jill Talbot (Headteacher) and the designated governor is Mr Steve King. Full details of the school’s procedures for safeguarding are outlined in the Safeguarding Policy which is available online (see link below) or as a paper copy from the school office. The school has clear procedures which are followed in the event that any cause for concern is raised about any pupil. School staff receive safeguarding /child protection training every three years and Miss Talbot receives refresher training every 2 years and safeguarding updates annually.

There are four main elements to our safeguarding policy

• Prevention (positive, supportive, safe school culture, curriculum and pastoral opportunities for children, safer recruitment procedures);
• Protection (following the agreed procedures, ensuring all staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns);
• Support (for all pupils, parents and staff, and where appropriate specific intervention for those who may be at risk of harm);
• Working with parents and other agencies (to ensure appropriate communications and actions are undertaken).

The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff and governors and are consistent with those of Kent Safeguarding Children Board (KSCB).

The policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and related guidance and the latest DfE guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016’.

The safeguarding policy includes a statement on physical restraint. This school follows DfE guidelines which assert that physical restraint may be used if there is the possibility that a child may be about to cause harm to him/ herself or to another. Parents will always be informed if their child has been restrained.

All allegations of abuse by or complaints against a teacher will be dealt with following the school’s procedures. For any complaint about the Headteacher, the Chair of Governors should be contacted directly.

Please see the policy list below for all policies relating to safeguarding.

If you are worried about any child and think they may be the victim of neglect, abuse or cruelty then please speak to Miss Talbot who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead. In her absence Mrs Stein and Mrs McGibney are the Deputy Safeguarding Leads.

 

Miss Jill Talbot (Headteacher) Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Sarah Stein (Assistant Head / SENCO) Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Jacqui McGibney (FLO) Deputy Safeguarding Lead

 

The following policies all relate to safeguarding and pupil welfare:

 

Please visit our School Policies page for additional policies.