Safeguarding
Safeguarding Children
At Gascoigne Primary School our aim is to provide an environment where our pupils are safe and feel safe, where they are encouraged to talk and are listened to when they have a worry or concern. We require all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Parents and Carers may also contact us when they have concerns about the welfare or safety of a child or children.
We are committed to doing everything in our power to protect children, promote their welfare and support their families. We work closely with other professionals, including Children’s Services, Police and Health Authority staff.
We endeavour to work in an open and transparent way and, unless the welfare of a child is believed to be at risk, we would share any concerns with parents before sharing them with other professionals.
If you have any concerns about Safeguarding and Child Protection, or if you have any concerns about a child, please speak with one of our Safeguarding Leads.
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are:
- Mrs A Buchner (Co-Headteacher)
- Mr J Fox (Co-Headteacher)
- Ms C Monks (Assistant Headteacher)
- Mrs S Alexander (Assistant Headteacher)
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) is:
- Mr P Vickery
Our Governor responsible for Safeguarding and Child Protection is:
- Mrs L Rajendiran (Governor Responsible for Safeguarding and Child Protection)
Our Safeguarding – Child Protection Policy is reviewed annually and can be found in the policies section of the website here.
Child Sexual Exploitation
Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. It involves exploitative relationships, situations and contexts where children receive ‘something’ (for example gifts, money, affection, approval) in return for sexual activity. It can occur through the use of technology for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the Internet, Social Media, mobile phones.
Children can be affected from a young age often without recognition that they are at risk of harm.
For further information follow the link below;
As part of our Safeguarding procedures we are vigilant to the risks, signs and symptoms of child sexual exploitation.
We aim to equip our children to develop the knowledge and skills they need to make safe and healthy choices about friendships and relationships through delivery of our Personal, Social and Health Education Programme (including Relationship and Social Education) and E-Safety programme.
Importantly, we provide a safe place for pupils to discuss concerns and issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
Female Genital Mutilation
If you suspect a that this has happened or is going to happen to a young person then report it to the police immediately.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a grave violation of the rights of girls and women, causing physical and psychological harm.
It is illegal to perform FGM in the UK or for permanent UK residents to assist in performing FGM on girls overseas.
We are vigilant about the risk and potential likelihood of FGM and refer to:
For information support and advice visit: nspcc.org/fgm
Or call the free NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 3550
The Prevent Strategy
What is the Prevent Strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent Strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism.
How does the Prevent Strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.
This means that we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way that we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
These include
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity
- Challenging prejudices and racist comments
- Developing critical thinking skills and a positive self-identity
- Promoting the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy
We also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example, by using filters on the internet to make sure that they can’t access extremist material.
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children, it is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.
How Does the Prevent Strategy relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014 and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.
British values include
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Further information
The following sources may also be useful for further information:
Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales, HM Government
Using after-school clubs, tuition and community activities - GOV.UK