‘Love, Laugh, Learn’

 Resourcefulness, Reciprocity, Reflectiveness, Resilience 

Children have a right to be cared for and protected, safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.

Intent

Our federation has a duty of care to ensure that children and adults who attend or visit our settings are kept safe from harm. We are committed to ensure we provide a safe and always stimulating environment in which children can develop and learn.

We want our children to be loved, we want them to laugh, and we want them to learn. Safeguarding them is an essential part of our holistic approach so they are protected from abuse and neglect. We know that happy children can reach their full potential. All adults who are part of our community have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and we view this as a shared responsibility with parents and carers.

Concerns of abuse or neglect

The best interests of the children will always be our priority. As such, there are times we will need to record, monitor, and share information with other agencies. We will share concerns about our children with the child’s parents/carers unless we have reason to believe that such a move would not be in the child’s best interest.

When concerns arise, the schools will act swiftly and may signpost to other specialised services. This early intervention is to prevent more serious problems occurring later. Therefore, whilst we do not want to worry you, we will contact Family Connect if we have any reason to believe that a child may be at risk of suffering abuse or neglect.

Parents

Parents are normally our first point of contact, and if a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents will be informed; we will support parents and ensure we work in collaboration with them to protect children.

Working with parents to prevent abuse is our primary aim and only when that has failed or in an emergency will a referral be made to Family Connect.

When a referral is made to Family Connect parents will be notified beforehand, except when guidance from social care or the police does not allow this.

Other professionals

We cannot safeguard children alone. All children’s services work in partnership with each other to protect children from significant harm. There are duties and rules about information sharing but if staff, parents, or carers have any concerns about a child, parent, professional or any person, they have a responsibility to report those concerns.

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is underpinned by advice from the Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership. Information from Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children and Safer Recruitment guidance has also been used. All staff receive regular professional development and training, they understand the policy and follow it in a robust way. Our policy is located in the policies section.

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against anyone because of their protected characteristics Therefore this policy applies to all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, or religion.

What can you do?

Parents and carers play a role in safeguarding children in their community. If you have any concerns, no matter how small, you should report them to someone who you trust will listen. The school is required to have a Designated Safeguarding Lead for this purpose. Parents and children should speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead if they have any concerns about a child or staff member. Please see the policy for the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputies. This information is also available on the parents noticeboard on the playground.

If you think a child or young person may be in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise contact Family Connect on 01952 385385