Safeguarding

We view safeguarding as everyone’s responsibility. All staff, governors and volunteers should play their part in keeping children safe. A child-centred approach is key; a clear understanding of the needs and views of the children is critical.

Staff and Governors at Ormiston Cliff Park Primary Academy are aware that many children are the victims of different kinds of abuse and that they can be subjected to social factors that have an adverse impact upon their lives – including domestic violence, substance misuse, bullying, mental health and radicalisation. We also acknowledge that safeguarding incidents could happen anywhere and staff should be alert to possible concerns arising.

Through our curriculum we teach children to stay safe and happy. We encourage the understanding that any problem or worry that they may have is legitimate, and to share their worries, big or small with their trusted adult; at home; school or with ChildLine or another external agency.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Louise Watkins (Principal)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr Phil Reid (Vice Principal)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Beverly Edwards (Family Support and Pastoral Worker)

See our ‘Contact’ page if you would like to email our DSL with any safeguarding concerns.

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.

The procedures contained in the academy’s safeguarding policy apply to all staff and governors and are consistent with those of the local safeguarding children board (LSCB).

We will follow the procedures set out by the Area Child Protection Committee or Local Safeguarding Children Board and take account of guidance issued by the DfE by:

  • Ensuring that we have a designated senior member of staff with responsibility for Child Protection who has received appropriate training and support for this role.
  • Ensuring that we have a nominated governor responsible for Child Protection.
  • Ensuring that every member of staff (including temporary and supply staff and volunteers) and governing body knows the name of the designated senior person responsible for Child Protection and their role.
  • Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated Child Protection Co-ordinator/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  • Ensuring parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the school and staff for Child Protection by setting out its obligations in the Parent Handbook issued to all parents.
  • Notifying Children and Family Services if there is an unexplained absence of more than two days of a pupil who is on a Child Protection Plan.
  • Developing effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding Child Protection matters including attendance at case conferences.
  • Keeping written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately.
  • Ensuring all records are kept secure and separate from the main pupil file.
  • Following procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer.
  • Ensuring safe recruitment practices are always followed and that adults working with children have an up to date DBS check.

If we are concerned that your child may be at risk of abuse or neglect, we must follow the procedures in our child protection policy. You can look at the policy on the school website or come into school and see a copy.

The procedures have been written to protect all pupils. They comply with our statutory responsibilities and are designed to support pupils, families and staff. The procedures are based on the principle that the welfare of the child is the most important consideration.

In almost all circumstances, we will talk to you about our concerns and we will also tell you if we feel we must refer our concerns to children’s social care. We will ask your consent to make a referral, but in some circumstances we may need to make the referral against your wishes. We will only do this if we genuinely believe that this is the best way to protect your child, and the fact that you did not consent to the referral will be recorded.

If we think that talking to you first might in some way increase the risk to your child, we will report our concerns to children’s social care and take advice from them. We will normally tell you that a referral is being made and we will record the reasons why we decided to follow this course of action.

All child protection records are kept separate from your child’s general school file. Records are stored in a locked cabinet or drawer, and if stored on computer they are password-protected. The only staff who have access to the records are those who need to know about the concerns in order to protect and support your child.

Child protection is a very sensitive issue and it raises many questions and a range of strong emotions. We will do everything we can support our pupils and you can be assured that any action we take will be in the best interests of your child.

  • We endeavour to make sure that all pupils at OCPPA feel comfortable talking about their concerns. The message of sharing their worries and identifying a trusted adult is regularly incorporated into assemblies. For example, wellbeing, anti-bullying and e-safety. Any alleged bullying incidents are dealt with by SLT.
  • Children can speak to their teacher or any trusted adult.
  • Pupils know the key members of staff that are responsible for safeguarding in the school. They can also identify trusted adults within the school. They can speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs Rutherford, Mrs Watkins, Mr Reid or Mrs Edwards.
  • OCPPA has safeguarding posters with photos of the members of staff responsible for Safeguarding displayed around the school.
  • CEOP: Tackles sexual abuse and exploitation of children in all forms. For information, click here.
  • Think U Know: Educational programme from CEOP. Click here.
  • Parent Info Collaboration between Parent Zone and NCA-CEOP. Provides safeguarding guidance. Click here.
  • UK Safer Internet Centre: Partnership  between Childnet, Internet Watch Foundation and SWGfL. Promotes safe use of technology for young people. Click here.
  • Net Aware: Guide to social media platforms. Click here.
  • NSPCC: Provides support to children and families. Call 0808 800 5000 or click here.
  • NSPCC Pants
  • Childline: Confidential service for young people. Call 0800 1111 or click here.
  • Childline – information and advice on sexting
  • Bullying UK: Advice on what to do if you think your child is being bullied. Click here.
  • Internet Matters: Parent information on safeguarding children online. Click here.
  • NSPCC – Report Abuse in Education on 0800 136 663 or email [email protected]
  • Kooth – Online mental health support. Click here.
  • Young Minds – Mental health support for young people. Click here.
  • MindEd – Mental health resources for families. Click here.
  • Respond –  For people with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse or trauma. Click here.

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. Many of the things we do in school to help pupils become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent Strategy.

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