Author: GPrice

Northwood Park Primary School Safeguarding Guide

Designated Safeguarding Lead	Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs. T Bentley	Mrs A Giles

What Do I Do if I am Worried About a Child?
If you become concerned about:
Something a child says
Marks or bruising on a student
Changes in a child's behaviour or demeanour
You must inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If you feel that a child may be at risk of harm but are not sure - then inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately who will offer advice and take appropriate action.
Child abuse happens to all children regardless of gender, culture, religion, social background and those with or without a disability.
A copy of the school’s safeguarding policy is located in the school office.
Listen carefully to the child, particularly what is said spontaneously
Do not promise confidentiality. Explain to the child that you may need to pass on the information if you are worried about their safety.
You may clarify your concern using “tell, explain, describe or outline” but as soon as your concern is confirmed ask no further questions as further enquiries may be compromised.
Only trained investigators should question a child.
Reassure the child that they have done the right thing.
Record carefully what the child says using their words including how and when the account was given. Date, time and sign the record. Pass this on to the Designated Member of Staff for Safeguarding immediately.
Types Of Harm
Everybody has a responsibility to keep all children under the age of 18 safe: this applies to both the home and school environment. Harm is identified in four ways:
Physical This is when a child is deliberately hurt or injured
Sexual This is when a child is influenced or forced to take part in a sexual activity. This can be a physical activity or none physical, e.g. being made to look at an inappropriate image.
Emotional This is when a child is made to feel frightened, worthless or unloved. It can be demonstrated by shouting, using threats or making fun of someone. It can also be when children see their parents, or visitors to the home, fighting or using violence.
Neglect This is when a child is not being taken care of by their parents. It can be poor hygiene, poor diet , not keeping appointments for additional support, not coming to school or being left home alone.
Extremism and Radicalisation The holding of extreme political or religious views.
Staff Conduct
If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff following an observation or disclosure, the following actions must take place:
Immediately inform the DSL.
In their absence, immediately inform the DDSL.
Keeping Yourself Safe
Be professional. Be careful how you interact with - or speak to - a child; the child may interpret it differently.
Avoid physical contact with children unless you are preventing them from immediately harming themselves or others.
Avoid being on your own with a child: always ensure that a door is open and that you are visible to others.
It is best not to do anything for a child that he or she can do for him or herself.
Always tell someone if a child touches you or speaks to you inappropriately. Log down the incident time and date it and pass it on to the Headteacher.
If you have concerns about the conduct of a member of staff, it is your responsibility to inform the Headteacher.
Remember… if in doubt… ask.
Safeguarding Statement
Northwood Park Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and requires all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.
This leaflet contains information about our expectations of you whilst visiting the school.
Please keep this leaflet in a safe place so that you can read it again if you need to.
If you are concerned about the safety of any child in our school, you must report this to the Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs. R. Cook. This includes any concerns about the conduct of a member of staff or a volunteer in our school.
Visitor Procedures
All visitors must sign in at Main Reception.
All visitors will be issued with an appropriate pass which must be displayed at all times whilst on the site.
Visitors will be asked to remain under the supervision of a designated member of staff whilst on site.
Visitors wishing to speak to a particular member of staff should, where possible, telephone the school to make an appointment to avoid disappointment.
Visitors must not use a smart phone or camera on site.
Visitors must sign out at the Main Reception and return their visitor pass before leaving the site.

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