St Michael’s C of E (A) Infant School Safeguarding Statement
St Michael’s C of E (A) Infant School recognises the important responsibility for Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children. The school’s policy applies to the whole of the school’s workforce, along with volunteers, governors, school club providers and any contractors working on the school site. In particular, staff recruitment and selection – ensuring that all staff, volunteers etc. have been appropriately checked for their suitability, using the Safer Recruitment procedures. In addition:
Raising awareness of safeguarding issues and equipping children with the skills to keep them safe.
Developing and implementing procedures and training for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse.
Supporting pupils who have been abused, in accordance with an agreed, child-centred plan.
Establishing a safe and nurturing environment, free from discrimination or bullying, where children can learn and develop happily.
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 their parents/carers first, unless we have a reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.
With support from Mrs Gayle Priestley (Head of School – Newdigate and Online Safety Lead)
ONLINE SAFETY
We use online safety planning for our lessons and participate in the annual “Safer Internet Day”. In the autumn term we hold an On-line safety meeting for parents to attend.
TOP TIP: no digital devices in the bedroom, especially at bed time
TOP TIP: Avoid using screen time as a reward. This will elevate the status of screen time above other activities and like using food as a reward may encourage children to simply want more.
TOP TIP: Be confident to put in boundaries.
DID YOU KNOW?: Blue light from digital devices, e.g. i-pads, mobiles, can trick the brain into thinking it’s still daylight making it difficult to sleep. Turn off screens one hour before bed time.
As a Surrey School we work closely with Surrey County Council who provide us with training, resources and information as well as monitoring and auditing our safeguarding provision.
Education safeguarding
Safeguarding children and young people is everyone’s responsibility. However, school and education staff play a unique role due to their frequent contact with children and families and the relationships that develop over time. The Education Safeguarding Team provides advice, information and guidance to education settings on their safeguarding arrangements and practice. Our aim is to support education staff with the knowledge and skills to protect every child and young person in Surrey from harm, support them to develop their potential and to create an environment where they feel safe to learn.
Who to contact if you have concerns for a child or young person
If you are a parent/carer or member of the public;
If you are worried about a child, please contact the Children’s Single Point of Access on 0300 470 9100. In an emergency, please phone 999.
If you are a parent/carer and would like advice or support about your child’s education, please telephone the Contact Centre on 0300 200 1004 or email.
Keeping Children Safe in Schools and Colleges
In order to safeguard children whilst in education all staff, volunteers and governors are expected to comply with the requirements of the current Department for Education guidance – Government guidance
There are several safeguarding topics covered in this guidance
Children missing from education
Children with family members in prison
Child sexual exploitation
Child criminal exploitation
Domestic abuse
Homelessness
So-called ‘honour-based’ abuse
Preventing radicalisation
Child on child abuse
Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges
Surrey County Council are committed to working to reduce the impact of Domestic Abuse, Substance Misuse and Mental Health Issues on children and young people in our schools and colleges.
We believe that parental support is vital to a child’s education. Parents know their child better than anybody and in the early days at school we need to share that information.
The partnership process begins before children start school. Parents/carers are invited to meetings in the summer term their child starts school to meet staff and explore the practical routines of life at school and find out a bit more about the curriculum. The children are invited to a series of play sessions to meet their teacher and the other children who will be starting school with them. These visits are fun and friendly.
Once a child has joined the school we continue to provide support that parents appreciate.
Ofsted reported on parents’ views:
”Staff know pupils and their families well and relationships within the school community are strong. The school promotes a strong, caring and nurturing ethos that many parents praised.
