Safeguarding Policies

Sproatley Academy’s safeguarding policies provide clear direction to everyone about expected practice in dealing with safeguarding issues.  It makes explicit the school’s commitment to the development of good practice and effective procedures, ensuring that safeguarding concerns and referrals are handled sensitively, professionally and in a way that supports and protects the needs of the child.

There are four main aims to our Child Protection Policy:

Prevention (positive school atmosphere, pastoral support to pupils, the SMSC & PSHE elements in the formal and informal curriculum, safer recruitment procedures and safe & appropriate working practice by staff. Wider safeguarding policies and procedures in place to establish and maintain a safe and secure school environment).

Protection (by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to Child Protection and other safeguarding concerns and that there are clear systems of internal information sharing and record keeping).

Support (to all pupils and school staff and to children who may have been abused or are in other ways
vulnerable).

Collaboration with children & Young People, parents and other agencies to promote Safeguarding &
Wellbeing for all of our children and Young People.

All those working in education can contribute to the safeguarding and protection of the welfare of a child in need.

According to the DfE, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• protecting children from maltreatment;
• preventing impairment of children’s health or development;
• ensuring children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Child protection is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility at Sproatley Academy.

Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is childcentred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

This policy applies to all who come into contact with children at Sproatley Academy.

If in doubt, anyone with concerns should seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Mrs V Tippett.

Sproatley Endowed C of E Academy Strategic Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy Sept 2023

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023