PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Reviewed by: Chadia Obeid-Smith
Next review: January 2022
Displayed: on the website
- Statement on la petite ecole de Manchester Safeguarding Responsibility
The petite Ecole de Manchester acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring its safeguarding practice complies with best practice.
The petite Ecole de Manchester recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances and aims to ensure that all children have a positive and enjoyable experience of learning the French language in a safe environment whilst participating in our classes and activities.
We take steps to promote and ensure the welfare of children through a safeguarding policy and procedures which are promoted throughout the organisation and are mandatory for everyone involved in the petite Ecole de Manchester, staff and volunteers.
- Introduction
- This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004; the Education Act 2002, and in line with government publications: ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ 2018: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children–2 Revised Safeguarding Statutory Guidance 2 ‘Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families’ 2000, ‘What to do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused’ 2003. The guidance reflects, ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ 2018: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2
- The Governing body takes seriously its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm.
- We recognise that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility as and that the best Interests of the child are paramount, as set out in legislation. EVERYONE who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals will make sure that their approach is child centred. This means that they will consider at all times what is in the best interest of the child.
- ALL staff believe that our school should provide a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment; that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child, promoting healthy development. Children are best protected when professionals are clear about what is required of them individually, and how they need to work together.
- We are committed to ensuring that children and families receive the right help at the right time. EVERYONE who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action. Further details on information sharing can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-informationsharing-advice and here in Chapter one: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children–2
1.6 The aims of this policy are:
1.6.1 To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.
1.6.2 To provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, and feel confident, and know how to approach adults if they are in difficulties, believing they will be effectively listened to.
1.6.3 Ensuring an asset and strength based approach to work with children, young people and their families, building on strengths.
1.6.4 To raise the awareness of all teaching and non-teaching staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse (Reference Appendices 1 and 2).
1.6.5 To provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we, the petite Ecole de Manchester, contribute to assessments of need and support packages for those children. All staff need to be aware that children with SEND may face additional challenges e.g. communication barriers and difficulty overcoming them may lead to abuse and bullying.
1.6.6 The petite Ecole de Manchester is committed to ensuring that the appropriate support is in place and has an appointed designated Head teacher who will liaise with the Social Worker to jointly address the needs of these children.
1.6.7 To emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff.
1.6.8 To develop a structured procedure within the school which will be followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse. Safeguards will include measures to respond to all children at risk. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/550416/C hildren_Missing_Education_-_statutory_guidance.pdf
1.6.9 To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the Police, Health and Social Care when needed.
1.6.10 To ensure that all staff working within our school who have substantial access to children have been checked as to their suitability, including verification of their identity, qualifications, and a satisfactory DBS check (according to guidance)1 , and a central record is kept for audit.
2 – The petite Ecole‘s team of teachers:
2.1 We will ensure that:
2.1.1 All members of the governing body understand and fulfil their responsibilities, namely to ensure that:
- There is a Safeguarding & Child Protection policy together with a staff behaviour (code of conduct) policy
- The school operates safer recruitment procedures
- The school has procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against staff and volunteers and to make a referral to the DBS if a person in regulated activity has been dismissed or removed due to safeguarding concerns, or would have had they not resigned.
- A senior leader has Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- The senior lead DSL will have lead responsibility for matters relating to safeguarding and child protection.
This person or deputy must be available during term time to discuss any safeguarding concerns.
- On appointment, the DSLs undertake interagency training.
- All other staff have the responsibility and duty to have their safeguarding training updated as appropriate.
- any weaknesses in child protection are remedied immediately
- information is shared appropriately and in a timely way to prevent delay in support and identification of risk
- Safeguarding & Child Protection policies and procedures are reviewed annually and that the Safeguarding & Child Protection policy is available on the school website
2.2 All teachers and volunteers are provided with child protection awareness information, including the school safeguarding statement so that they know who to discuss a concern with.
2.3 All the teachers and volunteers know how to respond to a student who discloses abuse through delivery of safeguarding induction, Awareness Raising pack and updated training. Staff receive regular updates via email or staff briefings to keep their knowledge up to date
2.4 We will ensure that child protection type concerns or allegations against adults working in the school are referred to the head for advice, and that any member of staff found not suitable to work with children will be notified to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)3 for consideration for barring, dismissal, we cease to use their service as a result of a substantiated allegation, in the case of a volunteer.
2.5 Our procedures will be regularly reviewed and up-dated.
2.6 The name of the designated members of staff for Child Protection, the Designated Child Protection Officers, will be clearly visibly in the school, with a statement explaining the school’s role in referring and monitoring cases of suspected abuse.
2.7 All staff will read and sign to confirm they have understood Part 1 of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018’
DOCUMENTATION TO READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLICY: Working Together to Safeguard children:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children– Keeping Children safe in education: information for all school and college staff https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2 HM Government: What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-if-youre-worried-a-child-is-being-abused
2.8 In addition to the above all new members of staff will be given a copy and emailed of our safeguarding statement, and safeguarding & child protection policy, with the DSLs name clearly displayed, as part of their induction into the school.
3.1 The designated DSLs are responsible for:
3.1.1 Referring a child if there are concerns about possible abuse, to the Local Authority, and acting as a focal point for staff to discuss concerns. Referrals should be made in writing using a professional referral form, following a telephone call to the Children’s Duty Service.
3.1.2 Keeping written records of concerns about a child even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.
3.1.3 Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from student.
3.1.4 Ensure that a record is kept and witnessed of the disposal of individual’s records.
3.1.5 Liaising with other agencies and professionals and sharing information appropriately and without delay.
4 Our school will support all children by:
4..1 Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness, through the curriculum as well as our relationships, whilst not condoning aggression or bullying.
4.2 Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school.
4.3 Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.
4.4 Notifying Social Care as soon as there is a significant concern.
4.5 Dealing with incidents sensitively and appropriately and promptly.
4.6. Peer on peer abuse will not be tolerated. This type of abuse can take place in many forms including bullying, sexual violence, sexual harassment, physical abuse, sexting and so called initiation ceremonies.
4.7 Staff will remain vigilant at all times to respond immediately to such abuse.
5.0 Confidentiality
5.1 We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential.
5.2 The Head teacher will disclose any information about a child to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.
5.3 All teachers must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.
5.4 All teachers must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or wellbeing.
5.5 We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Social Care with their parents /carers unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation.
6.0 Supporting Staff
6.1 We recognise that staff working in the school who have become involved with a child who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.
6.2 We will support such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties and to seek further support as appropriate.
Allegations against staff
7.1 All school teachers should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child. It is always advisable for interviews or work with individual children or parents to be conducted in view of other adults.
7.2 All teachers should be aware of Guidance on Behaviour Issues, and the school’s own Behaviour for Learning Policy.
7.3 Guidance about conduct and safe practice, including safe use of mobile phones by staff and volunteers will be given at induction.
7.4 We understand that a student may make an allegation against a member of staff. 7.5 If such an allegation is made, or information is received which suggests that a person may be unsuitable to work with children, the member of staff receiving the allegation or aware of the information, will immediately inform the Headteacher.
7.6 The Headteacher on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the Local Authority.
7.7 If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the Headteacher, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Comité des parents who will consult as in 7.6 above, without notifying the Headteacher first.
7.8 The school will follow Manchester’s procedures for managing allegations against staff.
7.9 termination of the agreement, excluding the Headteacher, against whom an allegation has been made, needs careful consideration, and the Headteacher will seek the advice in making this decision.
- Whistleblowing
8.1 We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where teachers fail to do so.
8.2 All teachers should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the management of child protection, which may include the attitude or actions of 7 Refer to “Guidance for Safe Working Practice for the Protection of Children and Staff in Education Settings” available on the DfE website.
In the event of an allegation against the Headteacher, if it becomes necessary to consult outside the school, they should speak in the first instance, to the Area Education Officer/LADO following the Whistleblowing Policy.
8.3 Whistleblowing regarding the Headteacher should be other whistle blowing channels or where a member of staff feels unable to raise an issue with their employer or feels that their genuine concerns are not being addressed, other whistle blowing channels may be open to them. General guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/whistleblowing/what-is-a-whistleblower also: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/fighting-for-childhood/news-opinion/newwhistleblowing-advice-line-professionals/
9.0 Physical Intervention
9.1 We acknowledge that staff must only ever use physical intervention as a last resort, when a child is endangering him/herself or others, and that at all times it must be the minimal force necessary to prevent injury to another person.
9.2 Such events should be recorded and signed by a witness.
9.3 We understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures.
9.4 We recognise that touch is appropriate in the context or working with children, and all staff have been given ‘Safe Practice’ guidance to ensure they are clear about their professional boundary.
10.0 Anti-Bullying
10.1 Our school policy on anti-bullying is set out in a separate document and acknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to consideration under child protection procedures. This includes all forms e.g. cyber, racist, homophobic and gender related bullying. We keep a record of known bullying incidents. All staff are aware that children with SEND and/or differences/perceived differences are more susceptible to being bullied/victims of child abuse. We keep a record of bullying incidents.
11.0 Racist Incidents
11.1 Our Behaviour for Learning Policy includes information regarding how the school addresses racist incidents. This acknowledges that repeated racist incidents or a 12 single serious incident may lead to consideration under child protection procedures. We will keep a record of racist incidents.
Prevention 12.
12.1 We recognise that the school plays a significant part in the prevention of harm to our children by providing children with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection.
12.2 The school community will therefore:
12.2.1 Work to establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to. 12.2.2 Include regular consultation with children e.g. through safety questionnaires, participation in anti-bullying week, asking children to report whether they have had happy/sad lunchtimes/break times 12.2.3 Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the school whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
12.2.4 We will ensure that appropriate ICT filters and monitoring are in place to ensure safety online.
13.0 Social Media Policy
13.1 The relevant e-safety policy reflects the consideration given to safe use of social media for staff. The school community will:
- Ensure all staff are aware of school guidance for their use of mobile technology and have discussed safeguarding issues around the use of mobile technologies and their associated risks.
14.0 Children at risk of sexual exploitation (CSE):
14.1 Our school will ensure that the Designated Safeguarding Lead and other key staff are trained in spotting the possible signs of child sexual exploitation outlined in Appendix One (this is not an exhaustive or definitive list).
14.2 Our school safeguarding policy will align with the Greater Manchester Safeguarding Partnership Guidance on Child Sexual Exploitation http://greatermanchesterscb.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_sg_ab_sexual_expl oit.html#preventing
15 Monitoring and Evaluation
15.1 Our Child Protection Policy and Procedures will be monitored and evaluated by: · the head teacher visits to the school
- ‘Drop ins’ and discussions with children and the teachers
- Scrutiny of exclusion and attendance data
- Scrutiny of range of risk assessments
- Review of parental concerns
- Review of the use of intervention strategies