SAFEGUARDING

We take safeguarding very seriously as we want all children to stay safe. 

Stoke Canon C of E Primary School and Pre-School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children.  Safeguarding is the responsibility of every individual and organisation and relates to the way in which we protect children and young people to ensure that they have the best possible chances to develop and achieve positive and fulfilling futures.

• All visitors must sign in at the Main Reception.
• All visitors will be issued with an appropriate pass which must be displayed at all times whilst on site.
• Visitors will be asked to remain under the supervision of a designated member of staff whilst on site.
• Visitors must not use a smartphone or camera phone without permission.
• Visitors must sign out at the Main Reception and return their visitor pass before leaving the site.

Who can I talk to or contact about safeguarding concerns ?

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Louise Herbert  01392 841279 head@stokecanon.devon.sch.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCO: Ms Hilary Dodd

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Headteacher: Mr Peter Grierson

Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Pre School SENCO: Mrs Deborah Morris 01392 841279

Education Welfare Officer: Nikki Andrews 01392 383000

Educational Psychologist: Angie Mudge

Safeguarding Governors: Mrs Lesley Hockin hockinl@threeriversfederation.org.uk and Mrs Janine O'Donnell odonnellj@threeriversfederation.org.uk and on 01392 874583

Types of Harm

Everybody has a responsibility to keep all children under the age of 18 safe and applies to both the home and school environment.  Harm is identified in five ways:

Physical - this is when a child is deliberately hurt or injured.

Sexual - this is when a child is influenced or forced to take part in a sexual activity.  This can be a physical activity or non-physical, e.g being made to look at an inappropriate image.

Emotional - this is when a child is made to feel frightened, worthless or unloved.  It can be by shouting, using threats or making fun of someone.  It can be when children see their parents, or visitors to the home, fighting or using violence.

Neglect - This is when a child is not being taken care of by their parents.  It can be poor hygiene, poor diet, not keeping appointments for additional support, not coming to school or being left home alone.

Extremism and Radicalisation - the holding of extreme, political or religious views.

Staff Conduct

If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff following an observation or disclosure the following actions must take place:

• Immediately inform the Headteacher.

• In their absence, immediately inform the Deputy Headteacher.

Keeping yourself safe - Be professional.  Be careful how you interact with or speak to a child, the child may interpret it differently.  Avoid physical contact with children unless you are preventing them from immediately harming themselves or others.  Avoid being on your own with a child, always ensure that a door is open and that you are visible to others.  It’s best not to do anything for a child that he or she can do for him or herself.

Always tell someone if a child touches you or speaks to you inappropriately.   Log down the incident time and date it and pass it on to the Headteacher.  If you have concerns about the conduct of staff, it is your responsibility to inform the Headteacher.

What do I do if I am worried about a child?

If you become concerned about:

• Something a child says.

• Marks or bruising on a student.

• Changes in a child’s behaviour or demeanour.

• You must inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

If you feel that a child may be at risk of harm but are not sure then inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Deputy immediately who will offer advice and take appropriate action.

Child abuse can happen to any child, regardless of gender, culture, religion, social background and those with or without a disability.

A copy of the school’s safeguarding policy is on the school website or on request.

Sometimes a child may disclose information to you.  If this happens then the following actions must take place.

What do I do if a child discloses they are being harmed?

• React calmly.

• Listen carefully to the child, particularly what is said spontaneously.

• Do not promise confidentiality.  Explain to the child that you may need to pass on the information if you are worried about their safety.

• You may clarify your concern using “tell, explain, describe or outline” but as soon as your concern is confirmed ask no further questions as further enquiries may be compromised.

• Record carefully what the child says in their words including how and when the account was given.  Date, time and sign the record.  Pass this on to the Designated Member of Staff.

Operation Encompass

We are an operation encompass school and we are committed to supporting pupils who are experiencing domestic violence in the home.