Accessibility is very important to our school.   The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is outlined below to enable you to read it on any device.   If you would like to read the full policy, including appendices, there is a PDF at the bottom of the page.  

Thank you for helping us to keep our children safe.  

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Our vision is to provide ‘A Quality Education for ALL for Life’

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5v11

Key Personnel

*Out of hours contact details will be made available to staff

**Any changes to key personnel/holiday/emergency contacts will be shared with the appropriate agencies and Safeguarding Partnerships.

Contents (Ctrl and Click on link to access or Ctrl F to see all headings and sub heading)

Policy Scope and Aims

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Cockshutt CE Primary School and Nursery including senior managers and the governing body, staff, volunteers, contractors, agency staff and students.

The policy is publicly available on the school website (or on request from AdminCockshutt@meresedge.shropshire.sch.uk) so that it can be accessible for our children; their families and anyone visiting and /or working with us.

The policy aims to meet the requirements as outlined in Part 2 Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 (page 27).

Safeguarding Statement

We believe that:

• All children have the right to protection from all types of abuse.
• Everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them.

This means that we will:

• Not tolerate the abuse of children. This includes never accepting and always challenging or raising concerns about words or actions which downplay, justify, or promote abuse. This applies to anyone who is part of, comes into or works with our school.
• Be child centred and ensure that we consider the best interests of children in everything that we do enabling all children to flourish. This includes ensuring that we enable children’s voices and experiences to be heard (using communication and advocacy if necessary); and that children are involved in and informed about the decisions being made about them.
• Ensure we provide a safe environment for children to learn, grow and develop and feel able to raise any concerns they may have for themselves or others.
• Look out for and respond promptly and appropriately to all identified concerns, incidents or allegations of abuse or neglect of a child.
• Ensure no child or group of children is treated less favourably by us than others.
• Be aware of and take extra positive actions that may be needed to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child(ren) who we know are more vulnerable to experiencing abuse or discrimination.
• Work in partnership with our children, their parents, carers, and other agencies.

Key Terms

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• Providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge.
• protecting children from maltreatment, whether this is within or outisde the home, including online.
• preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health or development,
• ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• Promoting the upbringing of children with their birth parents, or otherwise their family network through a kinship care arrangement, whenever possible and where this is in the best interest of the children; and
• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes:
  • Outcome 1: children, young people and families stay together and get the help they need
  • Outcome 2: children and young people are supported by their family network
  • Outcome 3: children and young people are safe in and outside of their homes
  • Outcome 4: children in care and care leavers have stable, loving homes.

Child Protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the specific activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suspected to be suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. This includes harm that occurs inside or outside the home, including online.

Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm.

Harm can include ill treatment that is not physical as well as the impact of witnessing ill treatment of others. This can be particularly relevant, for example, in relation to the impact on children of all forms of domestic abuse, including where they see, hear, or experience its effects.

Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others.

Abuse can take place wholly online, or technology may be used to facilitate offline abuse. Children may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.

There are a number of types of abuse and safeguarding issues that could increase the risk that a child could be abused. These are further defined and explained in Part 1, Part 5 and Annex B of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023.

Staff refers to all those working for or on behalf of the school, full or part time, temporary or permanent in either a paid or voluntary capacity. The exception to this term is Governors.

Governors refers to those who are part of the School’s Governing Body. This includes individuals who are at Trust or Charity governing body level as well as part of local school governance bodies.

Child includes everyone under the age of 18.

A Parent refers to birth parents and others who have parental responsibility (as defined by the Children’s Act 1989) or has care of a child.[1]

Legislation, Standards and Guidance

This policy is based on the following legislation, guidance, standards, and procedures:

Linked Policies

Roles and Responsibilities

We follow the statutory guidance as set out in the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (and associated documents and guidance); adhering to the roles and responsibilities and expectations identified for:

The Governing Body:

Have a strategic leadership responsibility for ensuring we take a whole school approach to safeguarding arrangements as outlined in this policy and that we comply with our duties under Legislation and Guidance. Part 2 Keeping Children Safe in Education outlines their key responsibilities. All Governors complete annual safeguarding training as part of their role.

The Safeguarding Governor is responsible for leading on the governance oversight of safeguarding arrangements; regularly meeting with the Designated Safeguarding Team termly (as a minimum) and reporting back to the Governing Body in termly meetings and through Governor Reports.

The Chair of the Governing Body will liaise with the Local Authority in the event of an allegation of abuse made against the Executive Headteacher in line with Ensuring safe staff .

All Governors will ensure:

• The school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead who has the appropriate status and authority to carry out duties of the post and is provided with the time, funding, resources, and support needed to carry out their role effectively.
• The school has safeguarding policies and procedures in place (as outlined in Part 2 Keeping Children Safe in Education) that are implemented effectively and comply with our duties under Legislation, Standards and Guidance at all times. 
• All staff and governors are knowledgeable and confident in carrying out their safeguarding duties in line with Professional development and support.
• That the effectiveness and implementation of safeguarding arrangements are robustly overseen by the Governing Body.  Governors visit school, talk to children and staff, attend meetings, complete training and challenge leaders.  Designated Safeguarding Leads ensure than the current challenges and local issues are made clear to governors.   The Governing Body have the appropriate skills in order to challenge the effectiveness of the school.  

The Executive Headteacher:

Is responsible (with the lead support of the Designated Safeguarding Lead) for ensuring safeguarding arrangements are implemented effectively in school.

This includes:

• Having the overarching responsibility of ensuring the effectiveness of our school safeguarding arrangements as outlined in this policy.
• Being accountable and reporting to the Governing Body (with the support of the Designated Safeguarding Lead) on the effectiveness of school safeguarding arrangements. 
• Supporting and promoting a whole school safeguarding culture and ethos as outlined in our Safeguarding Statement. This includes ensuring that the Senior Leadership Team work effectively together and with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, to ensure a whole school approach to safeguarding.
• Take the lead role in Ensuring Safe Practice; including ensuring staff and knowledgeable and confident in their safeguarding practice; including making sure that their practice is in line with national and local requirements.  The Executive Headteacher is also the lead person responsible for receiving, managing, and referring to/liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officer (with the support of the Designated Safeguarding Lead) or any other authorities regarding allegations of abuse made against staff or other organisations/individual who use school premises.
• Enabling the Designated Safeguarding Lead and any deputy(ies) to carry out their roles effectively.  This means ensuring they are given sufficient time, training, support, resources, including cover arrangements where necessary.
• Ensuring that all school policies including safeguarding policies and procedures and those required to be in place, are implemented and followed by all staff.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Takes the lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection in our school. Annex C Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 outlines their key responsibilities. Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) (hereafter referred to as DDSL) support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that the school has a safeguarding child protection policy is in place as required by Keeping Children Safe in Education, that is implemented and followed by all staff.
• Being available to deal with safeguarding and child protection during school hours. Our of hours the Executive Headteacher is available in the first instance – head@meresedge.shropshire.sch.uk
• Acting as the point of contact with whom to raise safeguarding concerns within (including those raised by the school filtering and monitoring system) and to our school.
• Supporting the Executive Headteacher to Ensure Safe Practice in school.
• Managing safeguarding referrals to the Local Authority; Police and any other statutory authorities or multi-agency risk management arrangements (see Designated Safeguarding Lead Response).  
• Working closely with the Governing Body, Executive Headteacher and relevant senior leadership team members to ensure a whole school safeguarding culture and ethos as outlined in our Safeguarding Statement and the implementation of effective safeguarding arrangements, as outlined in this policy.
• Acting as the point of contact to and proactively engaging with the Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership arrangements as outlined in Working in Partnership.

• Ensuring children and parents are aware of how and encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns and how they will be responded to as outlined in Working in Partnership.

• Act as a source of support, advice, and expertise to all staff; including ensuring that there is ongoing promotion and awareness of safeguarding and children protection in school.
• Ensuring the effective management and oversight of safeguarding information as outlined in   Record Keeping and Information Security.
• Maintaining and access Professional development and support.

All staff (including students and volunteers):

Are expected to work in line with our Safeguarding Statement and adhere to the policies, processes and systems that support safeguarding as outlined in this policy. This specifically includes:  

• Accessing and maintaining Professional development and support to ensure they remain knowledgeable and confident in their safeguarding practice.
• Recognise, Respond and Report Staff Safeguarding Concerns
• Engaging in Safe Practice. This includes raising concerns (however small) about individual behaviour or practices or cultures in schools that compromise the safety of children as outlined in Ensuring safe staff.  
• Teaching our children how to keep safe

Professional development and support

To ensure all our staff and governors are knowledgeable and confident in keeping children safe in our school; they will complete the professional development activities as outlined below. We monitor professional development activities and maintain a central professional development record.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) provide all staff with ongoing safeguarding support, advice, and expertise. Staff safeguarding knowledge and competence is overseen as part of the staff induction, appraisal, and performance processes in school. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (and deputy(ies)) receive regular support and supervision from the Federation Caring4kids Team and external support as required.   Keep in touch meetings happen weekly with the Executive Headteacher.

All Staff (including volunteers)

Designated Safeguarding Leads (including any deputies)

All Governors

Staff/Governors involved in recruitment of staff (including administration)

Ensuring Safe Practice

Safer recruitment

We adopt robust recruitment procedures that deter and prevent people who are unsuitable to work with children from applying for or securing employment or volunteering opportunities in our setting. All staff/governors involved in recruitment complete additional safer recruitment training; as outlined in Professional development and support. Our recruitment procedures are outlined in our Safer Recruitment Policy and are in alignment with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023: Part 3.

As part of our recruitment and selection processes; we ensure that our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is evident to candidates throughout each stage of the process; with any candidate who is not suitable to work with children being deterred and identified at the earliest point. This policy is included in the application information for candidates. We also ensure that all applicants complete a robust application form. We seek suitable references and carry out online social media checks prior to interview; as well as ensure that there is a focus on the candidate’s knowledge and competency in safeguarding practice as part of the interview processes.

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023: Part 3; we maintain a record of information we have received to confirm  the necessary pre-appointment safer recruitment checks are completed on staff (including volunteers, supply staff and students); Governors/Trustees; contractors; and visitors who attend our school in a professional capacity.  We complete the checks on staff, volunteers, and Governors/Trustees who we recruit ourselves. For those who are recruited by others; we ensure that we receive written confirmation of the relevant checks completed and check their identification before they are allowed to work unsupervised or engage in regulated activity with children.

Where we do not have all the necessary information or there are gaps in the information; we have robust risk assessment processes in place to ensure that anyone who does not meet the required standards of pre-appointment checks or suitability are allowed to work unsupervised or engage in regulated activity with children. We reserve the right to refuse access to the school site any person who we are not assured is safe to work or engage in regulated activity with children.

On appointment, staff (including volunteers) receive a robust induction programme which provides them with the relevant safeguarding knowledge but also clarity on the expected standards of behaviour within and outside of school. Please see Professional development and support.

If any safeguarding concerns of allegations arise relating to a member of staff, Governor/Trustee or other person working on our school premises; staff are expected to act in line with Ensuring safe staff and  Staff Safeguarding Concerns: Recognise, Respond, Report.

Contractors

We have several contracts with external providers to work in our school including with children. We ensure that contractors have a valid DBS and that the provider has completed the relevant checks on the individual.   Where a contractor does not have a DBS they are accompanied on site/supervised, work in a designated area and are not working directly with children.

Visitors

We have procedures for recording the details and confirming the identity of visitors, including prospective candidates. We ensure that we have control over who comes into the premises so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to children. Visitors must report to reception on arrival and sign in on our electronic system. Information on the school and visitor conduct is provided for visitors on arrival. Where appropriate they may have a targeted induction. All visitors are required to wear a visitors badge.   We evaluate our procedures and policies annually through our Safer School accreditation review.

Use of school premises for non-school activities  

When we have arranged a extra-curricular activities out of school hours which is are direct supervision or management by school staff, this safeguarding policy is to be followed and any concerns should be managed in accordance with Staff Safeguarding Concerns: Recognise, Respond, Report and Designated Safeguarding Lead Response.

We will follow our Ensuring safe staff procedures if we become aware of any allegations relating to an organisation or individual using our school premises.

Where we have sessions or activities which are provided by another person or organisation that is using the school site and not during school time or under direct supervision, we seek assurances that they have the required child safeguarding arrangements in place as an individual/organisation as outlined in Keeping children safe during community activities.. This is regardless of whether children who are on roll at our school access the activity or not.

The arrangements for this will be set out within any transfer of control agreement, (i.e. lease or hire agreement); and failure to comply with these arrangements will lead to termination of the agreement.

Alternative provision

Where we place a child with an alternative provision provider, we continue to be responsible for their safety and welfare and should be satisfied that the provider can meet the needs of the pupil. We do this by partnering with the provision through daily check in calls, school link book between teachers, half termly review meetings and regular contact with the setting in addition to feedback from family.

We obtain written confirmation from the alternative provision provider that appropriate safeguarding checks have been conducted on individuals working at the establishment, i.e., those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff. See Appendix A: Alternative Provision Quality Assurance Checklist.  

Ensuring safe staff

Managing allegations (including low level concerns)

We promote an open and transparent culture in which all concerns about the behaviour or conduct of any adults working in, at or on behalf the school are dealt with appropriately.

There are two levels of allegations / concerns:

1. Allegations that may meet the harm threshold.

Circumstances where a someone working within the school has or may have:

• behaved in a way that have harmed a child, or may have harmed a child and/or
• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or
• behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates that they would pose a risk of harm to children; or
• behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children. This includes any behaviour that may have occurred outside of the school that could pose a transferable risk.  

Allegations that someone that working in, at or on behalf the school has met the harm threshold should be immediately referred to the Executive Headteacher in person. Staff may be required to provide a written statement at the request of the Executive Headteacher.  

If the allegation relates to the Executive Headteacher; this should be immediately verbally reported to the Chair of Governors.

If there is any conflict of interest or immediate risk of harm to a child or; then the person with the concern must ensure Immediate safety and contact the Local Authority Designated Officer in accordance with Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership Managing Allegations Procedures.  

In most cases; the Executive Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors) will lead on managing allegations (using Shropshire LA KCSIE Managing Allegations Policy); with the support of the Human Resources Department and the Designated Safeguarding Lead. They will ensure that Part 4 Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 and Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership Managing Allegations Procedures.   are applied. Any allegations that meet the above criteria will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer within 1 working day and we will follow their advice and guidance.

We will notify OFSTED as soon as reasonably practical and within 14 days of the allegation first being made, informing them of action taken by completing the online form -  Report-a-serious-childcare-incident .

It is essential that any allegations of abuse against a member of staff are dealt with quickly, in a fairly and consistent way to effectively safeguard all those involved.

We also have a duty of care towards our staff, and we will provide a named contact for the staff member.

If necessary, we will adhere to our legal reporting duties (such as referring to the Disclosure and Barring Service or Teaching Regulation Agency) as employers as outlined in Part 3 Keeping Children Safe in Education if the criteria for such reporting is met.

1. Allegations / concerns that do not meet the harms threshold (Low level concerns).

The term low level does not mean that these concerns are insignificant. A low-level concern is when staff or volunteer may have acted in a way that:

• Is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work. Our staff code of conduct outlines examples of what could be considered a low-level concern;
• Does not meet the harm threshold at point 1 above.

Low level concerns should be reported in person to the Executive Headteacher; to embed our culture of openness and transparency. To ensure that our school’s values and expected behaviours are lived, monitored, and reinforced by all staff.

If the Executive Headteacher is not available immediately: The DSL will gather as much information as possible and notify the Executive Headteacher.

The Executive Headteacher will decide the outcome of all low-level concerns (in consultation with the Designated Safeguarding Lead if necessary) raised in line with low-level concerns policy, staff code of conduct. Consideration will be given to whether there is a pattern of behaviour by the individual; or if there is a wider school culture issue and if policies need to be revised, or if all staff guidance or additional staff training is required.

Whistle Blowing

Whistleblowing is the mechanism by which staff can raise concerns in good faith without fear of repercussions. All staff have a duty to raise concerns where they exist about another staff or volunteers practice. This may include attitude or actions of colleague's poor or unsafe practice or potential failures in adhering to the schools' policies, procedures and staff code of conduct.

If staff have such concerns; these should be raised to DSL or Executive Headteacher as outlined in the Whistleblowing Policy.

 If staff feel unable to raise concerns with the school directly; they can contact NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line.

Record Keeping and Information Security

We have a legal duty to act in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). We have data protection processes in place to ensure that we keep and process (manage) personal information about children, their families; staff and others safely and lawfully. This includes:

• Securely manage electronically held information in line with Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges and Early Years practitioners: using cyber security to protect your settings - NCSC.GOV.UK (see also Online Safety)
• Manage requests for access to personal information we hold (known as subject access requests).

Details of our processes and how to request access to personal information we hold are outlined in GDPR Policy. Statutory policies for schools and academy trusts: Administration and Data)/ Early Years practitioners: using cyber security to protect your settings - NCSC.GOV.UK)

Storage and management of safeguarding information (child protection files)

Safeguarding concerns and responses for individual children are kept electronically on our My Concern safeguarding MIS. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for ensuring the quality, maintenance, and management of child protection files; as well as using the system to monitor themes and patterns of concern to inform and continue to improve the whole school approach to safeguarding. All staff and volunteers are able to report concerns as necessary and have relevant training.

Sharing safeguarding information with others

We are proactive in sharing information with each other and others who are working with our children and their families as early as possible; so that children can receive the help and support they need; respond to any safeguarding concerns and where possible prevent abuse.

Staff are expected to share information with one another as part of their work in school about the needs and risks of children on a need-to know basis in line with our Safeguarding Statement so that we keep children safe and promote their welfare. They are not permitted to share information with friends, family, or anyone in the local community outside of their work.  

Sharing information with other organisations

Staff should be familiar with and use Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners.

As part of our work in partnership with parents and children; consent to share their information with others outside of school should always be sought from a child and their parent(s) unless it is not safe to do so. This includes where seeking consent would:

• Place the child at increased risk of significant harm.
• Place any other at risk of injury.
• Obstruct or interfere with any potential Police investigation.
• Lead to unjustified delay in making enquiries about significant harm.

If a parent or child does not consent to information being shared, the law does not prevent the sharing of information if sharing is necessary for the purpose of keeping a child safe and promoting their welfare. Therefore, staff must make parents and children aware that information may still be shared with other organisations if necessary to help keep their child safe or promote their welfare or if there is another legal basis to so do.

Decisions to share safeguarding information with other organisations will be overseen by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (please also refer to Designated Safeguarding Lead Response).  

Transfer of child protection files and other safeguarding information

When a child leaves for a new education setting; the Designated Safeguarding Lead will arrange for the child protection electronic file (and any additional information to help the new setting to help safeguard and promote the child’s welfare) to be transferred to the new setting no later than within 5 working days of an in-term transfer or within 5 days from the start of the new term. Where the move is planned; the Designated Safeguarding Lead will consider sharing information in advance of the child leaving to help with the child’s transition and to enable any help and support they may need. This is shared separately to any child’s main file and confirmation of receipt of the files should be gained Appendix C: File Transfer Record and Receipt

If a child is absent from education or Electively Home Educated; we share relevant information with the Local Authority as required by law (please also see Children potentially at greater risk of harm).  If the child leaves our setting and does not move to a new education setting; we transfer their child protection file (and any additional information as necessary) to the relevant Local Authority that they reside in line with the local protocol.

Working in Partnership

As is outlined in our Safeguarding Statement; and in order to ensure all children in our school are effectively safeguarded and their welfare is promoted; we will work in in partnership with our children, their parents and other agencies/partnerships as follows:

Children

Our children are taught how to keep safe; including how and when to share or report to us any worries or concerns they may have about their safety and wellbeing or that of others. We encourage children to share and report worries and concerns by:

• Pastoral support sessions
• Worry Monsters
• Rest Easy sessions
• PSHE lessons
• Teaching of Christian Values
• Drop in sessions
• Open door for pupils
• Safety Squad (Children’s Safeguarding Board)

We have a Children Reporting Concerns Policy.

Staff are expected to build trusted relationships with and work in the best interests of children in line with our Safeguarding Statement; and recognise, respond and report Staff Safeguarding Concerns.

We also actively seek children’s views of safety in school through weekly pupil voice sessions, Safety Squad sessions, pupil in mind conversation - whole school pupil voice has a very high priority in our school.   We have a Pupil Voice Policy and ways of recording.   Pupil voice is taken by a variety of staff and Governors.  The voice of pupils is also considered when we do our annual Safer Schools Accreditation Review.  We believe in empowering pupils for life in line with our Church of England Foundation and mission. 

Parents

We recognise the importance of working together with and supporting parents to safeguard and promote the welfare of their children. This includes:

• Communicating to parents how we keep children safe in our school (including online). This policy is made available to all parents on the school website, and we have a dedicated Newsletter for Online Safety.  Additional resources and training are also available through our National College training package. If parents want to raise concerns or complaints about how we keep their children safe; they can do this using our Complaints Policy which is available on our website. We also actively seek parent views of safety in school through our annual Safer School questionnaire, our open ‘contact us’ forms on the website and annual parent questionnaire on the broader provision in school.  

• Encouraging parents to share and report worries and concerns about the safety and welfare of their child(ren) or any other children. We do this by encouraging an open and respectful culture, where concerns are valued and acted upon.   Class teachers, Leaders and Pastoral Support can be contacted directly, we encourage an open door culture.  Staff are expected to respond to any parents who raises worries or concerns to them either about their child(ren) or others in line with Staff Safeguarding Concerns: Recognise, Respond, Report . All staff are trained to respond to concerns.
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead will ensure that we work with parents to offer and enable support for children and their families; taking action to safeguard and promote their welfare (see Designated Safeguarding Lead Response) in line with the local arrangements in the area that they live.
• Ensuring that parents are made aware of how to raise safeguarding concerns or criminal behaviour themselves to the Local Authority and/or Enforcement Agencies. We do this by alerting families to any local issues, partnering with the community and encouraging people to speak out to stay safe. We use the weekly newsletter/school app to promote safety in the community.
• Providing parents with regular information, guidance and external support available to them through the school website, emails, newsletters, app updates, 1-2-1 conversations and planned events.

Other agencies/partnerships

As we operate in Shropshire; we engage and co-operate with our local safeguarding arrangements. Our local safeguarding partnership is the Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership (SSCP). We engage and co-operate by:

• Ensuring we effectively safeguard and promote the welfare of children living in Shropshire in line with Working together to safeguard children and the Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership local criteria for action and assessment; as outlined in the SSCP Threshold Document.  Where children do not live in Shropshire but attend our school; we will work in line with the relevant local arrangements in their home area.
• Ensuring we work with other agencies and comply with other pieces of relevant statutory guidance in safeguarding Children potentially at greater risk of harm.
• Supplying information and co-operating in multi-agency forum/meetings, audit or learning reviews as requested by the safeguarding partners.
• Working closely with Shropshire Council Learning and Skills Services and other Shropshire Council Services/partnerships to ensure we are providing high quality education and support to children in Shropshire.
• Participating in the local Operation Encompass Protocol; an arrangement where police notify schools when a child who attends their school may have been subject or witness to police-attended incidents of domestic abuse. This enables us to provide appropriate emotional or practical support to a child/ren who may have been witness to and victim of domestic abuse. All new parents/carers are sent a letter informing them of our participation in Operation Encompass  School Operation Encompass – Shropshire Learning Gateway (shropshirelg.net)).

Teaching our children how to keep safe.

We recognise that educating our children in how to keep themselves and others safe both online and in face-to-face situation plays a crucial role in safeguarding them. We have a clear set of values and standards the provide opportunities for children to learn how to keep themselves and others safe; that are demonstrated and reinforced throughout school life and underpinned through -

• Safeguarding Statement
• Behaviour/Anti-Bullying Policy https://www.cockshuttcofeprimary.org.uk/policies/
• Preventing Radicalisation
• Our approach to Online Safety
• Our Personal Social Health and Education and Computing curriculum and policies including our RHE /RSHE Policy School RSE Policy Our RSHE programme is developed to be fully inclusive of all ages and stages of development and consideration of children’s needs including Children potentially at greater risk of harm; and addresses issues as outlined Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023; Part 2, page 34, paragraph 131.

The DSL, RSHE lead and other key members of the Senior Leadership Team (such as computing, Mental Health and SENDCo) will work collaboratively to ensure that this is implemented; and being responsive to any safeguarding themes or patterns of concern that arise in school.

Online Safety

The use of information and communication technology (ICT); is a vital part of the everyday functioning of and life in school. We also recognise the important role ICT plays in the lives of our children and their families.

Whilst there are many benefits and strengths in using ICT; there are also a number of risks to children’s welfare and safety in school when using internet enabled technology; which are summarised in the following categories[2]:

• content: being exposed to illegal, inappropriate, or harmful content.
• contact: being subjected to harmful online interaction with other users.
• conduct: online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm to children or others.
• commerce: - illegal, inappropriate, or harmful online commercial activities that can compromise the health and wellbeing or security of children or others.

We adopt a whole school approach to online safety which aims to safeguard and educate our children and their families, staff, visitors and our school in our use and management of ICT (including the use of camera enabled; mobile and personal devices and the ICT systems we have in place).  Our online safety policy outlines our approach, and it can be found on our school website. Other relevant information can also be found on our school website. Our online safety leads send out regular bulletins to families and information for staff is provided as required and on induction. Our filtering systems are up to date and ensure our pupils do not get access to inappropriate material.

Only approved iPad devices for the purposes of education are used within our setting.   Staff and pupils are not permitted to use personal devices in classrooms or around school and this includes all electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities.

Where there are online safety concerns involving identified children (including child-on-child abuse); we will follow Staff Safeguarding Concerns: Recognise, Respond, Report and Designated Safeguarding Lead Safeguarding Response.

Any school cyber security incidents will be reported to Action Fraud (National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre) and, if there is a data breach this will be reported in line with our Data Protection Processes to the Information Commissioners Office. Please also see Record Keeping and Information Security.

Where children are being asked to learn online at home, we follow advice from the Department of Education; Safeguarding and remote education . Our approach to remote learning is outlined in our Remote Learning Policy.

We review our online safety arrangements annually to ensure that we meet the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 and Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations online safety standards (including the digital standards for filtering and monitoring and cyber security). Any risks arising from our reviews are clearly recorded as part of our school evaluation and improvement action planning processes. These are reported to and overseen by our Governing Body.

All Staff, senior leaders and Governors are appropriately trained (see Professional Development and Supervision) to enable them to ensure effective online safety arrangements. We will respond to online safety incidents which indicate safeguarding concerns in line with the Staff Safeguarding Concerns: Recognise, Respond, Report and Designated Safeguarding Lead Response sections of this policy.

Preventing Radicalisation

The Prevent Duty for England and Wales (2015) under section 26 of the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015; places a duty on schools and registered childcare providers to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

We have a Preventing Terrorism policy in place (which can be found on the school website) which outlines how we fulfil this duty.

We fulfil our duty by:

• Promoting fundamental British Values as part of our values and curriculum (refer to relevant policies). ​
• Ensure that we provide a “safe space” for children to understand and discuss sensitive topics, those linked to terrorism and extremism, and learn (according to their age and level of development) how to question and challenge these ideas in a politically balanced way.
• Be alert to and identify children who may be susceptible to extremist ideology and where it is assessed as appropriate by the Designated Safeguarding Lead; make a Prevent referral (in line with the local Preventing Terrorism Processes)
• Monitor and report any hate based behaviour as part of our Behaviour and Child-on-Child Abuse Policies (Hate related incident reporting processes can be found here).
• Outline in our Online Safety and Relationship Sex Health Education Policies (include any other curriculum subjects related policies) how children are being safeguarded from being drawn into terrorism (including visiting speakers) (please also refer to Teaching our children how to keep safe. ​)
• Assess the risk of our children being drawn into terrorism, ensuring this is informed by the potential risk in the local area. ​Any identified risks are referenced in our school evaluation processes; and inform our approach to online safety (including filtering and monitoring and cyber security arrangements).

We regularly review our adherence to the Prevent Duty. Any actions arising from our assessment are included in our school evaluation and improvement action planning processes. These are reported to and overseen by our Governing Body.

All Staff, senior leaders and Governors are appropriately trained (see Professional Development and Supervision) to enable them to ensure that all children, particularly those who may be susceptible to extremist ideology and radicalisation are effectively safeguarded. We respond to children who are identified as being susceptible to an extremist ideology in line with the Staff Safeguarding Concerns: Recognise, Respond, Report and Designated Safeguarding Lead Response sections of this policy.

Children potentially at greater risk of harm

We recognise that whilst all children should be protected, some groups of children, are potentially at risk of greater harm than others (both online and offline). The list below is not exhaustive but highlights some of those groups. Where a child falls into multiple groups above; this potentially further increases their vulnerability.

Children who need a social worker (Child in Need and Child Protection Plans).

Children may need a social worker due to safeguarding or welfare needs. Children may need this help due to abuse and/or neglect and/or complex family circumstances. A child’s experiences of adversity and/or trauma can leave them vulnerable to further harm, as well as educationally disadvantaged in facing barriers to attendance, learning, behaviour, and mental health.

We work effectively with other agencies including statutory safeguarding partners to support vulnerable children we work closely with our partners in social care and social workers.  We hold regular meetings in school, take part in partnership forums/events, and accessing multi-agency training. We often facilitate meetings for individual children and families in school to support easier local access and involvement by children, parents and or carers and to put families at ease. We provide onsite training/support for families where necessary and engage with partners such as the school nurse.

Looked After Children and previously looked after children.

The most common reason for children becoming looked after is as a result of abuse and/or neglect; as well as/or other significant complexities or adversity in their and their family’s life.

At school/setting, we ensure that appropriate staff members have access to the information they need in relation to a child’s looked after legal status, contact and care arrangements. School/setting has an appointed designated teacher who works with the local authority to promote the educational achievement of registered pupils who are looked after in line with  Statutory guidance - Designated teacher for looked-after and previously looked-after children

Children whose attendance is low or sporadic

We are aware that non-attendance, poor attendance, inconsistency in attendance or frequent lateness may be a sign or indicator of further concerns or where early help support for the child and/or family is required, and that the early years setting may be a protective factor for the child and/or family.

Children who are absent from education

Children being absent from education for prolonged periods and/or on repeat occasions can act as a vital warning sign to a range of safeguarding issues including neglect or child exploitation, as well as other needs. Our response to persistently absent pupils and children who are absent from education supports identifying such abuse, and in the case of absent pupils, helps prevent the risk of them becoming a child missing education in the future.

In our school if children do not turn up for education there is a phone call home in the first instance. The administrator and school staff monitor patterns of attendance.   We have half termly visit from the EWO and engage with families where attendance is an issue. Working together positively with parents to impact pupil attendance is also a priority for the class teacher and any additional school meetings.

We refer to and use Statutory Guidance on Children missing education to ensure we comply with our duties regarding children missing education. This includes notifying the Local Authority in line with the  Shropshire Council Children missing education process when removing a child from the school roll at standard and non-standard transition points.

Children who are Electively Home Educated.

Many home educated children have an overwhelmingly positive learning experience. We would expect the parents’ decision to home educate to be made with their child’s best education at the heart of the decision. However, this is not the case for all, and home education can mean some children are less visible to the services that are there to keep them safe and supported in line with their needs.

We work with the LA and other key professionals to coordinate a meeting with parents/carers to ensure that they have considered what is in the best interests of each child. We consider the additional support the child may need to remain in school and work together to support any decisions that are made. This is particularly important where a child has special educational needs or disability, and/or has a social worker and/or otherwise vulnerable. 

Children requiring Mental Health Support

Mental health problems can, in some cases, be an indicator that a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation. Children who have mental health needs will often need early help or support to avoid their safety and welfare being compromised.

We have a senior mental health lead who is a member of/ supported by the senior leadership team. We follow up concerns in the same way we would do for any concern around the child. This ensures that processes are consistent for staff and no child gets missed. We have a wide range of pastoral care and support, and we work closely with parents/carers to support the child and family.   We signpost to different agencies where necessary, and we involve the Caring4kids team half termly to discuss plans and evaluate effectiveness of support.  We have an open-door policy and encourage parents/carers to share information early.   We create an open culture with Mental Health through talking about it in lessons and the day to day life of the school. Promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Children with Special Education Needs Disabilities or other health issues.

Children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) or certain medical or physical health conditions can face additional safeguarding challenges both online and offline.

We recognise that additional barriers can exist when recognising abuse and neglect in this group of children (e.g. assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury, relate to the child’s impairment without further exploration)

We provide support for children with SEND through pastoral care, strong relationships with parents/carers, regular meetings and recording of any changes of behaviour. Children have key staff who have detailed knowledge of their needs and systems to report any concerns to the DSL and SENDco.   We follow the SEND code of practice and The SEND local offer | Shropshire Council and Education for children with health needs who cannot attend school -.  There is a whole team approach to the care for every child. Pupils with SEND are considered carefully in all plans and processes in school including inclusion in Educational visits.   We are a fully inclusive school.

Children who are lesbian, gay, bi or trans (LGBT)

The fact that a child or a young person may be LGBT is not in itself an inherent risk factor for harm. However, children who are LGBT can be targeted by other children. In some cases, a child who is perceived by other children to be LGBT (whether they are or not) can be just as vulnerable as children who identify as LGBT.

We have an agreed Equality Policy in school and a plan for the welfare, attainment, and personal development of every child.   Our PHSE lessons, values teaching and drive to be fully inclusive ensures that all children and families are treated with love, respect and are valued.  Our Equality Policy can be found on the school website.  For further information please see Equality Act 2010: advice for schools.  

Child-on-Child Abuse

As set out in our Safeguarding Statement; we will not tolerate the abuse of children. This includes where children abuse other children (child-on-child abuse) or use words or actions which downplay or could (if not responded to) lead to abuse.

We want to ensure that no child-on-child abuse takes place in our school. However, we understand that we cannot just rely on children telling us that they are experiencing abuse from other children. Staff should understand that even if there are no reports in school, this does not mean child-on-child abuse is not happening. Staff will be made aware of the signs and indicators of child-on-child abuse as part of their Professional Development and Supervision; which do not just rely upon children telling someone. Staff are expected to follow our Appendix B: Child-on-Child Abuse Procedures

The school monitors patterns of child-on-child incidents including those involving abuse, to ensure that we are aware of and able to minimise and respond to any emerging themes or patterns of behaviours. This helps us to continue to prevent, identify and respond to child-on-child abuse as outlined at the beginning of this section.  This monitoring and our responses to it are reported to and overseen by our Governing Body. 

Staff Safeguarding Concerns: Recognise, Respond, Report

Recognise

Any child in any family could become a victim of abuse. Abuse and safeguarding issues are complex; and can often involve a child experiencing multiple issues or types of abuse.

Staff should always maintain the attitude that abuse “could happen here”. Staff should be particularly alert to Children potentially at greater risk of harm and vigilant in identifying the signs and indicators which could indicate a concern that a child is being or could be at risk of abuse.

As well as maintaining their Professional development and accessing support; staff can remind themselves of the signs and indicators of abuse and safeguarding issues by referring to:  Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023: Part 1 and Annex B. and SSCP - Contacts and Definitions.

Signs and indicators of concern may be evident in spaces and places where children spend time (including when online). They may be present in the child or others around them (including adults or children); in their:

• Appearance
• Behaviour
• Communication

Signs and indicators can be recognised by staff through:

Concerns shared directly by a child: Staff must not rely on children telling them they are experiencing abuse. Children may not recognise; feel ready; know how to or be able to communicate concerns or worries. Staff must therefore act in accordance with our Safeguarding Statement; work in partnership and use professional curiosity and skills in developing trusted and supportive relationships in their everyday work with children.

Observations:  In person or online (including online behaviour in school) of a child or someone else (for example a parent, someone working or visiting the school).

Concerns shared by others: either verbally or in written communications. This could be parents; other children; other staff members or other adults who may be working in or with the school or individual children.

Other systems we have in place: For example online filtering (smoothwall) and monitoring or information from other agencies through working in partnership etc.

There will be occasions where there are signs and indicators of concern but not enough evidence to indicate that the child is at risk of or experiencing abuse. Signs and indicators could be present for a variety of reasons as well as abuse (for example other family circumstances; health or learning needs); and may act as an early sign for the need for early help and support. In such circumstances, staff are still expected to respond in line with this policy.

Respond

Immediate safety

If a child is in immediate danger; staff must take individual action as necessary to keep the child, others, and themselves safe. They must:

• Contact emergency services if someone is in immediate danger (999).
• If necessary; refer child protection concerns themselves (follow Multi-agency Referral: Reporting concerns (MARF) )
• Work in line with our Behaviour Policy and Use of reasonable force in schools guidance.
• Report any allegations of harm by adults in a position of trust or unsafe practices in school in line with the Ensuring safe staff.

Other relevant policies/processes

Staff may need to follow other school safeguarding policies/processes (see Linked Policies)  as applicable along with responding in line with this policy.  All staff will immediately consider how best to support and protect the child and any other children who may be at risk or involved; ensuring they act in their best interests. Where there are concerns of child-on-child abuse; Appendix B: Child-on-Child Abuse Procedures should be referred to.

Injuries

We request parents notify us of ay accidents or injuries to their child before attending school. We will make a written record of the notification along with any injuries the child may have. Should a child receive any injuries during school time; staff will follow our accident reporting and first aid procedures.

We use body maps to record information about physical injuries to a child as part of our accident/behaviour/first aid safeguarding concern reporting processes.  These are recorded on our First Aid forms for parents.  

Seek views and gather information from the child and others.

Where safeguarding concerns are identified; staff should (where it is safe to do so) always seek the views of and directly from:

• Children (where appropriate and depending on the circumstances and their role with children);
• any other people involved in school (only on a need-to-inform/know basis for the purposes of gathering information for the purposes of safeguarding: see Record Keeping and Information Security)
• Their parents (if necessary and depending on the circumstances and their role).

Any uncertainty about seeking views should be discussed with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Seeking views from the child/parents means asking them what they think using open questions (What? How? etc) and if they want any help or support. Staff should listen, reassure, and explain that concerns will be reported. Staff should avoid making assumptions, judgments or investigating. Please also refer to When concerns are directly shared by a child.

Views should always be sought unless it is not safe to do so. This includes where seeking views would:

• Place the child at increased risk of significant harm.
• Place any other at risk of injury.
• Obstruct or interfere with any potential Police investigation.
• Lead to unjustified delay in making enquiries about significant harm.

If needs for help and support are identified; parents and children should always be asked for their consent to share information with other organisations so that help and support can be provided to them.  If consent is not given; staff should follow guidance in the Recording Keeping and Information Security: Sharing safeguarding information with others section.

Any uncertainty about seeking views should be discussed with the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Decisions to share safeguarding concerns with other organisations without consent will be reported to and overseen by the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

If a child is non-verbal or not able to explain their views themselves due to their age, level of development or needs; then staff should pay attention to how the child may be expressing their views and feelings through their behaviour and use communication tools to help the child share their views. We have a pastoral lead and a ELSA in place and due to our small school setting our pupils are well known by all staff.  We work with families to ensure that children are well-supported where appropriate.

When concerns are directly shared by a child

Children are more likely to share their experiences and feelings with someone they know and feel comfortable talking to.  

When children share the details of or feelings about abuse; the process of sharing can sometimes take time. Children may not share in full or give staff (and sometimes not the same staff member) pieces of information over time. When they do share, this may not always be verbally or directly; but the child may share in the Appearance, Behaviour or other forms of communication (see Recognise section).  

It takes a lot of courage for a child to share that they feel unsafe or are experiencing abuse. There are many reasons why children do not share their experiences (for example, uncertainty, shame, experiences of discrimination, fear, denial or a lack of understanding or ability to recognise and explain their experience).

When children are sharing their concerns; staff should:

• Listen to the child. Please refer to this NSPCC poster.
• Remain calm: the child may stop sharing if they feel the staff member is upset or shocked by what the child is telling them.
• Explain it can’t be a secret. Staff must explain to the child that what they share has to be passed on and to who so that you can help them. Think about when to do this to make sure the child feels safe and can continue to trust you and other staff.
• Reassure and offer comfort to the child (physical touch should not be automatically offered as comfort); recognise their feelings and their courage in sharing their experience. Never deny or minimise what the child is telling you or reprimand them if they decide not to share or for not telling you before.
• Seek the child’s views: use questions or communication tools that help the child to share from their own point of view. Gather information: do not investigate or assume what is happening to the child.
• Explain what will happen next. If you don’t know everything that is going to be done, tell the child that you will make sure that they are kept informed.
• Report and record the conversation immediately as outlined in the Reporting concerns section.  
• Seek support if you feel distressed add where staff can get support

Report

Report to Designated Safeguarding Lead

All safeguarding concerns must be Reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as they are recognised and after the initial response to the child and others. Staff are expected to verbally report their concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Where concerns involve an allegation of harm or a low-level concern about someone working in or at the school; staff must follow Ensuring safe staff.

Record concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be recorded by the staff member in on the My Concern system.   All staff and volunteers have access to our reporting system. Appendix D: Safeguarding Concern Reporting Form. Where physical injuries to a child form part of the evidence of the concern; staff will record information about the physical injuries observed on a Body Map. Resources can also be found on the Compass Multi-Agency Referral Form ,  in the West  midlands Physical Abuse Procedures).

Each safeguarding concern record should include:

• a clear and comprehensive summary of the concern.
• details of how the concern was followed up and resolved.
• any action taken, decisions reached and the outcome.

If staff are unsure of the recording requirements staff should seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Response

Safeguarding concerns can be raised by staff as above; but may also be raised to the Designated Safeguarding Lead by:

• Children, parents, or visitors to the school.
• Other agencies (see Working in Partnership)
• The school’s ICT filtering and monitoring systems.
• Members of the community.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will:

Consider and assess the concern.

Review the information reported; gather any further information as necessary; including conducting a risk and needs assessment if necessary. The Designated Safeguarding Lead will use and refer to the following:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 (particularly Chapters 1 and 3)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023
• SSCP Threshold Document
• Other relevant local tools and pathways (West Midlands Procedures)
• If applicable Appendix B: Child-on-Child Abuse Procedures
• When to Call the Police Guidance for Schools
• My Concern records and notes
• Pastoral team information/Caring4kids concerns.

Decide on what action to take.

Once the concern has been considered and assessed; the Designated Safeguarding Lead will decide on action(s) to be taken. They may wish to delegate actions to other members of staff; in the best interests of the child. The DSL will assist the Executive Headteacher with decisions to Ensuring safe staff in school.

In making decisions; the Designated Safeguarding Lead will work in partnership with the Executive Headteacher; relevant staff/senior leadership team in line with their Roles and Responsibilities and any other organisations as appropriate (see Working in Partnership and Record Keeping and Information Security).

Actions could include one or more of the below:

Manage internally: in alignment with school policies and processes including offering support to the child and their family through the school pastoral support (Universal/School Early Help) offer in a way which addresses the needs/risks identified. This may also include actions to make locations/infrastructure in school (including online) safer; adapt the curriculum to ensure we are Teaching our children how to keep safe. ; or Working in Partnership .

• Offer Early Help/Targeted Early Help. This could include offering and/or referring the child or their family enhanced or specialist support services to address the needs/risks identified in line with the SSCP Thresholds document and locally available provision. Any referrals for support will require parental consent and will take account of children’s wishes and feelings.

• Raise concerns to Children’s Social Care in line with the SSCP Thresholds document and relevant local tools and pathways.
• Report to the Police. If there are any concerns that a crime (including online) may have been committed by someone against or involving a child; concerns will be reported to the Police.

Where there is possible criminal behaviour by a child (including in circumstances of child-on-child abuse); we will take account of When to call the police: guidance for schools and colleges.

Other local referral processes will also be followed as applicable: including referring to relevant multi-agency forums and processes as outlined in relevant local tools and pathways (e.g. to Prevent Radicalisation; ensure Online Safety;  respond to domestic abuse: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference).

Record actions, decisions, and outcomes.

On the child protection file and in line with Record Keeping and Information Security . This will include assessments and discussions (including meeting notes/minutes) of discussions and meetings with staff or others (see Working in Partnership).

Manage and oversee any ongoing response.

Once the initial actions are taken; the Designated Safeguarding Lead will decide whether there is an ongoing need to actively monitor or manage the safeguarding needs of a child. Where this is decided; they will ensure that the school works in partnership with the child; parents, and any other involved agencies. This may include taking further actions (as outlined above) where concerns escalate.

The SSCP Escalation/Resolution of Professional Disagreements Policy will be used to challenge, resolve and if necessary escalate any concerns the school may have when working with other agencies in safeguarding children.