Safeguarding children and young people is central to everything we do at Christ Church C of E  Primary School.

All children and young people have a fundamental right to be protected from harm.  At Christ Church, we fully recognise our responsibility for safeguarding children and young people. That is why we do everything within our power to:

• protect children from maltreatment.
• prevent impairment of children’s health or development.
• ensure that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
• take action to enable all children and young people to secure the best outcomes.

The action we take at our school to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play and we recognise, and take our part very seriously in, this. We ensure that we operate a child-centred safeguarding system. We recognise that children want to be respected; have their views heard; to have stable relationships with their teachers, built on trust; and to have consistent support for their individual needs.  We are swift to identify children and families who may need early help and work together to secure the support that they need.

Christ Church Primary School recognises its legal duty to work with other agencies in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people protecting them from significant harm and has arrangements in place to do this.  All members of the school community (including volunteers and governors) will at all times establish and maintain a safe and stimulating environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk to adults they can trust and are listened to. Through training, all staff, governors and volunteers understand their responsibilities to take action when a child may be at risk of harm. Safeguarding is a key agenda item for meetings and all staff receive ongoing safeguarding updates and training.

Staff Recruitment

Christ Church Primary School has created a culture of safe recruitment and has a robust policy on recruitment procedures. We follow safer recruitment processes for all appointments, ensuring that all staff, including volunteers, have been carefully selected and all relevant checks complete prior to commencing work. Details of all checks are held in a central record.

Designated member of staff

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Miss Rebecca Edkins, Headteacher.

Deputy designated leads are Mrs Penny Wright (Senior Mental Health Lead and Family Support Worker) and Mr Coltan Rowley (Learning Mentor). 

Designated Governor

Our school has a designated safeguarding governor, Mrs Susan Ridney (Chair), who acts as the link person between the local school board and the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Mrs Ridney reviews safeguarding procedures and practices through half-termly meetings with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

We recognise that statistically children with special educational needs and disabilities are vulnerable to abuse. All staff who support these pupils are aware of the need for extra vigilance for signs of abuse.

Parents

At Christ Church Primary we believe in working closely with parents and our open-door policy encourages parents to pop in and discuss any concerns.

Safeguarding in the Curriculum

Great importance is placed on identifying opportunities in the taught curriculum for children to learn about safeguarding. Our up to date and relevant curriculum gives pupils opportunities to experience life in all its diversity, to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that significantly impact on personal development, behaviour and welfare and equips every child with the knowledge and skills required for personal safeguarding.  We value pupils’ questions and give them space for their own thoughts, ideas and concerns.