CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING

We have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy which aims to ensure that Wells Cathedral School is a safe and welcoming environment where ‘children can have a sense of belonging and be contented, balanced and confident individuals who have the necessary tools to be able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.’ 

It seeks to raise awareness of the types of abuse and specific safeguarding concerns relating to children. It then sets out guidance as to the roles and responsibilities of staff and the correct practices and procedures that must be followed in order to manage such concerns. Key elements of these aims are ensuring that:

• Staff recognise that safeguarding children is the responsibility of everyone, not just those who work directly with children
• Staff are alert to the signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns and follow the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) procedures for identifying, recording, reporting and monitoring such cases
• Staff keep child protection issues at the forefront of their work and know who the the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), deputies and other members of the safeguarding team are
• Staff respond swiftly and appropriately to all complaints and concerns about poor practice or suspected or actual child abuse
• Staff treat all children with respect regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity
• The School establishes positive, supportive, secure working practices that put children first
• The School practises safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children
• The School has a DSL and at least one Deputy who have received appropriate training and support for their role
• Either the DSL or one of the deputies will be on call whenever activities involving children take place on site
• The School keeps written, dated and signed records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately. This includes the use of any screening tool that aids identification of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Radicalisation, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), on-line use or other such issues and that such records are securely placed.
• The School cooperates with relevant persons and agencies when dealing with child protection matters; sharing information, attending case conferences if necessary and involving parents and children as appropriate
• All events, both on and off site, are risk assessed and managed to the highest possible safety standards
• Through the School’s education system, we equip children with the skills needed to keep them safe and support those who have been abused in accordance with agreed plans
• The School constantly reviews ways of working to incorporate best practice. Including this policy being regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current best practice and Government expectations