Safeguarding
Safeguarding is of paramount importance at Giffard Park School and we comply with the statutory expectations of 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (latest edition- see below). We also understand our responsibilities under PREVENT duty and all our staff have annual safeguarding training.
Members of Staff Responsible
We are all responsible for ensuring that each child remains safe, however the Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection is the Head Teacher, Mrs Wiles.
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Toni Coster, Senior Assistant Headteacher, Sarah Hand, Assistant Headteacher, Lisa Clark, SENCO, Vanessa Ford, Business Manager, Rosie Thompson, EYFS Lead, Jane Knight, Smart Steps Pre-school lead.
Our staff and regular volunteers have all the required safeguarding checks and we have a secure and safe site.
We will ensure that:
- The welfare of the child remains paramount.
- All children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin,
- religious beliefs and/ or sexual identity have the right to be protected from harm.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to
- swiftly and appropriately.
- All staff and volunteers working at our school have a responsibility to report concerns to Miss Donoghue (Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection) or to one of the safeguarding deputies.
Areas of Safeguarding
Our safeguarding policies cover all areas of school life and include:
- Staff & Visitors Ensuring they are vetted, informed & trained.
- Children’s Behaviour Promoting safer & happier behaviours & lifestyles.
- Parents & Carers Promoting links & supporting families.
- Premises: Keeping them safe, pleasant & fit for purpose.
- Curriculum: Providing positive, life-affirming learning experiences.
Safer Recruitment
We follow strict procedures to ensure that everyone who works with our children is vetted, keeping our children as safe as possible. Ongoing checks and ‘whistle-blowing’ are in line with current policy.
Staff Training
Staff are trained in child protection issues and they are aware of the procedures to follow. Staff are encouraged to be vigilant in order to maintain the safety of our children. All Staff & are given an induction and are directed to the documents:
‘GUIDANCE FOR SAFER WORKING PRACTICE FOR ADULTS WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 2009’ and ‘KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE IN EDUCATION 2020’.
Child Protection Policy
All staff have an up-to-date understanding of safeguarding children issues and are able to implement the safeguarding children policy and procedure appropriately. Policies are in line with current guidance and procedures.
Staff are able to respond appropriately to any:
- significant changes in children’s behaviour;
- deterioration in their general well-being;
- unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse;
- signs of neglect;
- comments children make which give cause for concern.
Please see the policies page for a copy of our Child Protection Policy.
All staff are aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
Safeguarding is everybody's business. Safeguarding means protecting each and every child from emotional, physical or sexual abuse and neglect. Please take the time to read our Child Protection Policy.
If you have any concerns about a child please do not ignore these anxieties. You can contact any professional involved with a child to discuss your concerns or you can talk to a local Social Work duty team. Information on how to do so can be found by following this link: What to do if you're worried about a child.
You can find out more information from the Milton Keynes Safeguarding Children Board .
Further Advice
It is possible that your child or children have been allocated a social worker due to issues relating to a child protection concern or to undertake an assessment of their needs. Below is a link to a resource that may be useful to you in understanding how to teach personal safety to your child. You may want to seek advice and support from an independent organisation and there are links to the Family Rights Group and the NSPCC within the document.