Child Protection
All staff are aware that they may see a member of the safeguarding team to discuss any concerns regarding child protection or safeguarding even if the issue seems ‘low level’. Where there is information causing sufficient concern, the matter is discussed between the designated safeguarding leads (DSL) to decide if other agencies such as Children's Social Care (CSC) should be informed of the matter. Where appropriate, parents are informed if the school decides to make a referral to CSC. In line with their procedures, CSC may instruct the school that parents should not be informed in particular cases. The school follows Children's Social Care's advice with regards to referrals and information sharing.
Safeguarding and child protection training is provided regularly for existing staff and forms part of the induction process for all newly appointed staff. The designated safeguarding team attend briefings and forums organised by the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to receive up to date local information about child protection and safeguarding issues. They also attend training and conferences provided by experts in the field including the NSPCC and the DfE.
All staff are familiar with Keeping Children Safe in Education which forms the basis of our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.