Wheldon Infant School & Nursery

Safeguarding

Our Core Safeguarding Principles:

The school’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance
Safer children make more successful learners
Representatives of the school community will be involved in policy development and review
Policies will be reviewed annually unless an incident or new legislation or guidance suggests the need for an interim review.
The school will work with other agencies and share information appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.

Child Protection Statement

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will act quickly and follow our procedures to ensure children receive early help and effective support, protection and justice.

Safeguarding Policy Principles

Welfare of the child is paramount
All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection
All staff have an equal responsibility to identify children who may benefit from early help and to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm.
There is a culture of transparency, openness and, if needed, challenge with regards to maintaining high standards in safeguarding.
Pupils and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support

Safeguarding Policy Aims

To provide all staff with the necessary information to enable them to meet their child protection responsibilities
To ensure consistent good practice
To demonstrate the school’s commitment with regard to child protection to pupils, parents and other partners
To contribute to the school’s safeguarding portfolio

Research suggests that between 6-19% of school aged children will suffer severe maltreatment, and disabled children are three times more likely to be abused. Due to their day-to-day contact with pupils, school staff are uniquely placed to observe changes in children’s behaviour and the outward signs of abuse. Children may also turn to a trusted adult in school when they are in distress or at risk. It is vital that school staff are alert to the signs of abuse, both inside (e.g. bullying or staff grooming behaviours) and outside the school and understand the procedures for reporting their concerns. The school will act on identified concerns and provide early help, or support others to do so, to prevent concerns from escalating.

Who To Contact

If you have any concerns or queries about a child's safety please contact any of the numbers below

Mrs H McMullen - Safeguarding Lead -01977 553528 or headteacher@wheldon.wakefield.sch.uk

Miss J Cummings -Deputy Safeguarding Lead -01977 553528 or jcummings@wheldon.wakefield.sch.uk

Miss D Kebbell - Deputy Safeguarding Lead -01977 553528 or dkebble@wheldon.wakefield.sch.uk

Wakefield Multi Agency Safeguarding Team (MASH) - 03458503503

Wakefield Families Together - 01977 724350 (Castleford:01977 723543) https://www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk/family-hubs/

Health Visitor and school Nursing Team-03003730944- https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/services/childrens-services/wakefield

WESAIL / Family Action - 01924 965588 -https://www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/children-families/wesail/

Domestic abuse support - 0800 915 1561 - domesticabuse@wakefield.gov.uk

Online links to more information and advice

https://www.new-start.org.uk/