Safe Guarding Children in Eduction Policy

Purpose and Scope

This policy sets out how our school will:

Safeguard and promote the welfare of all students under 18.
Comply with statutory duties from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) effective September 2024–2025.
Prepare for forthcoming provisions in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (e.g., improved information-sharing, mandatory child registration systems).

This applies to all staff, governors, volunteers, contractors, and visitors.

Principles

Child-Centred: Decisions based on best interests of the child.
Zero Tolerance of Abuse: Including peer-on-peer incidents, bullying, CSE, CCE, radicalisation, and harassment.
Inclusion and SEN: Policies reflect additional needs and vulnerabilitie.

Roles and Responsibilities

Governing Body: Ensure policy, safer recruitment, DSL oversight, training, data compliance.
Headteacher/Principal: Lead DSL duties, liaise with LADO, local authority, and respond to allegations.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Manage referrals, training, record-keeping, online safety measures.
All Staff: Report all concerns, attend annual safeguarding training.

Training and Awareness

Induction & Annual Training: All staff, including governors and volunteers, receive training covering:

Signs of abuse (incl. CSE/CCE, peer abuse)
Online safety and monitoring/filtering requirements
Handling disclosures and record-keeping.

Updates: DSL and staff attend training on changes from:

KCSIE 2024 updates
Children’s Wellbeing Bill provisions

Safe Recruitment

All staff and governors undergo:
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.
- Verification of identity, prior employment, references.
Incorporate robust safer recruitment interview questions focusing on safeguarding responsibilities.
Annual audit of compliance.

Safeguarding in the Curriculum

Ensure coverage of:

Online safety, healthy relationships, consent, radicalisation prevention (PREVENT).
Mental health support and reporting pathways.

Identifying & Reporting Concerns

Immediate response: Any staff member with concerns must record and report to DSL without delay.
Thresholds for referral: Follow KCSIE definitions of abuse, neglect, exploitation, peer abuse.
Peer-on-peer incidents: Adopt a zero-tolerance approach and follow Part 5 of KCSIE.
Record-keeping: Secure digital records; share essential information under DPA/UK GDPR guidance.

Handling Allegations Against Staff

Maintain robust filtering and monitoring systems; DSL oversees and reports incident.
Regular IT audit and user training to mitigate cyber risks.

Online Safety & IT Security

Maintain robust filtering and monitoring systems; DSL oversees and reports incidents.
Regular IT audit and user training to mitigate cyber risks.

Attendance, Absence and Alternative Provision

Monitor "unexplainable and/or persistent absences" as key safeguarding indicators.
Maintain oversight of pupils placed in alternative provision.
Cooperate with local authority for registration and information sharing under upcoming legislation.

Child Mental Health and Wellbeing

Recognise mental health as a safeguarding concern; establish referral pathways internally and externally.
Senior Mental Health Lead in place (statutory by 2025); work with CAMHS and external support as needed.

Multi-Agency Working

Cooperate fully under Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, share data as required.
Be prepared for multi-agency child protection teams under forthcoming legislation.

Policy Review and Quality Assurance

Policy reviewed annually and following any safeguarding incident.
Immediate review notified by changes in statutory guidance or new government Bills (Children’s Wellbeing, Crime & Policing).