Safeguarding
At St Martin’s CE Primary School, the health, safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. We expect all staff, governors, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment to the safeguarding of all our pupils.
We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs that a child might be at risk of harm and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and would encourage you to contact the safeguarding team should you have any concerns about the children in our community, and we will offer advice/support with further actions, if appropriate.
Communication with Parents
Our school will always discuss concerns with parents/carers and consent for any referrals should be sought unless to do so would:
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Place the child at risk of significant harm or further risk of significant harm.
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Place a vulnerable adult at risk of harm.
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Compromise any enquiries that need to be undertaken by children’s social care or the police.
The school will endeavour to ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibilities placed on the school and staff for safeguarding children.
In the best interests of safeguarding children, there may be occasions when the school has to consult with other agencies without a parent or carer’s prior knowledge. Our first concern and responsibility is the child’s welfare, and we have a duty to protect children first and always. Such consultation may result in a formal referral which could prompt visits from social care and/or the police. We fully understand that this can be a very distressing set of circumstances. Our school will follow the procedures required by Hillingdon Safeguarding Together.
If you have a concern about a young person that does not require immediate support from the relevant authorities, then please complete this link:
Operation Encompass
The school has been given the opportunity to take part in a project that will run jointly between schools and the Metropolitan Police Service. This project is known as Operation Encompass.
Operation Encompass is the notification to schools that a child (under 18) has been exposed to, or involved in, any domestic incident. The DSL can then use the information that has been shared, in confidence, to ensure the wellbeing of the child.
Curriculum
We give pupils opportunities across the curriculum to explore values, personal rights, responsibilities, and equal opportunities that develop moral concepts that impact positively on safeguarding, promote British values and prevent radicalisation and extremism. There are many opportunities throughout our learning in school to explore safeguarding issues.
Practical safeguarding opportunities are planned in the curriculum. For example:
- Road and rail safety (including out-of-school visits, bike-ability, working with police officers in the community)
- Poolside and water safety through swimming lessons
- Fire awareness (including visits from the local fire service)
- Visits to school from medical staff
- Work from local voluntary sector services, particularly around safe transition to Secondary school.
- Online safety quizzes and training
- Our visits and experiences incorporate “Stranger Danger”, being safe in the outdoors. What to do if?
- What to do if you are separated from your group (in relation to school visits)
- Safe use of technology, including password security and privacy settings
We have developed an open and safe learning environment in which pupils express their views, seek help, and help others. The promotion of equality of opportunity and diversity for pupils and staff helps prevent any form of direct or indirect discriminatory behaviour.
The Safeguarding Team are:
Mr. Rowden - Deputy Headteacher - Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs. Coates – Headteacher -Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:
Miss. Higgins – SENCO / Assistant Headteacher
Miss. Baxter - Phase Leader
Miss. Hodis - Phase Leader
Miss. Dingwall – Attendance
External Agencies
Miss. Hannah Ives – LADO: 01895 250 975
The Stronger Families Hub – 01895 556633, option 1, option 1
The Child Protection Policy is available here.
If you require any further information or to speak confidentially to a member of the Safeguarding Team please email: safeguarding@fraysacademytrust.org