Bishop Luffa School follows the DfE guidelines regarding the code of conduct and procedures for ensuring safeguarding and child protection provided in “Keeping children safe in education” (www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education, September 2023), issued under Section 175 of Education Act 2002. This replaces Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2018. Our procedures apply to all members of our school community, are consistent with those of the local safeguarding children board (LSCB) and are in accordance with locally agreed interagency procedures.
1. Principles
Our core safeguarding principles are:
- The well-being and safety of all members of our school community are paramount
- Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding children
- Policies and procedures are reviewed annually and ratified by Governors
2. Practice
- All staff (teaching and support) are required to read and understand Section 1 from Keeping Children Safe in Education (see link above).
- All staff (teaching and support) receive regular child protection and safeguarding training.
- An abused child is a boy or girl, 17 years or under, who has suffered from, or is believed to be at significant risk of physical injury, neglect, emotional abuse or sexual abuse. At Bishop Luffa School we strive to ensure all our young people feel safe.
Staff are trained to look out for signs of abuse:
- physical abuse – eg bruises, lacerations, burns;
- emotional abuse – eg excessive dependence or attention seeking;
- sexual abuse – eg physical signs or substantial behaviour change including precocity or withdrawal;
- neglect - eg inadequate clothing, poor hygiene, poor growth, hunger.
These are not proof in themselves that abuse has taken place and staff should never investigate suspected abuse. If concerned, staff inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
If a child volunteers information, staff listen carefully, make notes and pass the information on to the DSL. Staff must not:
- make assumptions
- ask leading questions
- put pressure on the child
- give an impression of confidentiality. If a child is at risk staff have an obligation to pass on information to DSL. A child may preface their comments with, for example, “Promise you won’t tell anyone …” Staff cannot give such an assurance, but will explain that they have to tell the DSL and why. If the child refuses to carry on, that is noted and the DSL alerted.
As a school we have a statutory duty to assist Children’s Social Services acting on behalf of children in need or enquiring into allegations of child abuse. We have developed and promoted effective working relationships with West Sussex Children’s Services and the Police and have a duty to provide information during child protection enquiries. In addition, we have a pastoral responsibility in recognising that children have a fundamental right to be protected from harm.
3. Reporting
Staff are obliged to raise any concerns regarding a child’s welfare. Any staff member can refer their concerns of abuse to Children’s Social Care. However, for a consistent approach in school staff are expected to raise concerns with the DSL.
The DSL will ensure that Child Protection records are kept securely locked.
The School’s PSHE programme includes modules which raise awareness amongst the students of the rights of young people with regard to Child Protection. Childline posters are displayed around the school.
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy Revised October 2023 and approved by the Bishop Luffa Learning Partnership Trust Board on the 17th October 2023.
To be reviewed September 2024 or at any DfE update.
The full Bishop Luffa Learning Partnership Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy can be found below: