The Governing Body takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess and support those children who are suffering harm.
At St Erme with Trispen School we recognise that all staff and governors have a full and active part in to play in protecting our pupils from harm and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.
At this school we believe that we should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of all children. We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential. The Headteacher will disclose personal information about a pupil to other members of staff on a need to know basis only.
All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets which might compromise the child’s safety or well-being or that of another. All staff must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children.
We ensure that all staff and adults working with children at our school are properly trained in child protection, and that this training is regularly updated. We hold a qualified a Designated Child Protection Person and a second Designated Child Protection Person, to cover in event of absence.
We recognise that because of the day to day contact with children, school staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. The school will therefore:
Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.
Ensure that children know that there are adults in the school whom they could approach if they are worried.
Include opportunities in the curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.
We will follow the procedures set out in the South West Child Protection Procedures and take account of any guidance issued by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
A copy of our Safeguarding Policy and our Child Protection Policy are available on our school website, and for reference on paper at the school. Policies are displayed in the staffroom.
