Safeguarding Children
Bourton Meadow School recognises its responsibility for Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children. The school's policy applies to the whole of the school's workforce including volunteers, governors and any contractors working on the school site. The policy focuses on 5 main elements:
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Staff recruitment and selection-ensuring that all staff (volunteers etc, have been appropriately checked for their suitability through the Safe Recruitment procedures.
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Raising awareness of safeguarding issues and equipping children with the skills needed to keep them safe.
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Developing and implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases of abuse.
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Supporting pupils who have been abused in accordance with an agreed child centred plan.
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Establishing a safe and nurturing enviroment free from discrimination or bullying where children can learn and develop happily.
We recognise that because of their day to day contact with children, school staff are ideally placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. Staff in schools will therefore:
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Report any inappropriate behaviour/activities to designated staff.
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Establish and maintain an enviroment where children feel secure, encouraged to talk and are listened to.
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Ensure that they can approach any adult in school if they are worried and they will receive a consistent supportive response.
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Include opportunities in the PHSE curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.