The Headteacher is duty bound by the Local Authority to report any obvious or suspected signs of abuse or neglect be that physical, emotional or sexual to social care. It is a sensitive area, but forms part of the local arrangements with regard to safeguarding and many high profile cases indicate the need for vigilance and to be safer rather then sorry. 

 

The Deputy Headteacher acts as the Designated Senior Lead (DSL) with responsibility for child protection/safeguarding issues in school. The Headteacher acts as the (DSL) should the deputy be unavailable. 

 

All staff undergo annual safeguarding update training at the start of the school year and are requested to sign a code of conduct. 

 

The school has policies and procedures in place that follow the local authority guidelines and documentation that link into the safeguarding agenda. 

There is a Link Governor for Child Protection and Safeguarding. 

 

The Senior Leadership Team, Chair and Vice Chair of Governors have all had safer recruitment training and any staff employed to the school undergo rigorous checks on background, qualifications and records. 

 

All staff have been checked with the Disclosure and Barrring Service (DBS) and the school keeps a central record of those checks. 

 

The school has an open ethos and ensures any actions that may cause harm are reported and investigated thoroughly. 

 

We work closely with all other agencies from health, social services, young people’s service and the police to ensure a multi agency approach in relation to safeguarding is adopted.