Safeguarding Statement
Our Safeguarding Team
If you have any concerns about the safeguarding of our children or would like further information, you can contact our Safeguarding Leads directly through our School Office 01494 784 205 or office@leyhill.bucks.sch.uk
Our safeguarding statement
Ley Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, stakeholders and volunteers to share this commitment as a main priority. All children have the right to be happy, to be safe and to learn.
Together we have the responsibility to ensure:
• The welfare of the child remains paramount.
• All children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to be protected from harm.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All staff and volunteers working at our school have a responsibility to report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead.
Areas of Safeguarding
Our safeguarding policies cover all areas of school life and include:
Staff & Visitors Ensuring they are vetted, informed and trained.
Children’s Behaviour Promoting safer and happier behaviours in their lifestyles.
Parents and Carers Promoting links and supporting families.
Premises Keeping them safe, pleasant and fit for purpose.
Curriculum Providing positive, life affirming learning experiences.
Outside School Ensuring safer activities and environments outside school.
Members of Staff Responsible
We are all responsible for ensuring that each child remains safe, however the Designated Safeguarding lead (DSL) is Head Teacher, and Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) / Deputy Head. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 01494 784205.
Safer Recruitment
We follow strict procedures to ensure that everyone who works with our children is vetted, keeping our children as safe as possible. Ongoing checks and ‘whistle‐blowing’ are in line with current policy.
Staff Training
Staff are trained in child protection issues and they are aware of the procedures to follow. Staff are encouraged to be vigilant in order to maintain the safety of our children. All Staff and Volunteers are directed to the documents: ‘GUIDANCE FOR SAFER WORKING PRACTICE FOR ADULTS WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 2020’ and ‘KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE IN EDUCATION 2020’
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
All staff have an up‐to‐date understanding of safeguarding children issues and are able to implement the safeguarding children policy and procedure appropriately. Policies are in line with current guidance and procedures.
Staff are able to respond appropriately to any:
• significant changes in children’s behaviour;
• deterioration in their general well‐being;
• unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse;
• signs of neglect;
• comments children make which give cause for concern.
All staff are aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
Information Sharing
We have an obligation to obtain necessary information from parents in advance of a child being admitted to school, including:
• emergency contact numbers;
• the child’s special dietary requirements, preferences or food allergies the child may have;
• the child’s special health requirements;
• information about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child. Written parental permission is requested, at the time of the child’s admission to school, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. Parents and Carers must inform us immediately of any changes to these details. Confidentiality is taken very seriously. Any information which we hold is treated as confidential and shared on a ‘need‐to‐know’ basis.
Links with External Agencies
We are fortunate to be supported by a range of external agencies which can be called upon to support the work we do in school. These include School Nursing team, Health Practitioners, Educational Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Behaviour Support, Social Services and Specialists in supporting Special Educational Needs.