Safeguarding
The staff and governors at Monkton Park are committed to safeguarding children and young people. We have a duty to ensure that no child in our care is at risk or at harm, at any time, including the time when they are at school.
What is safeguarding?
It can be difficult to accept or comprehend but all children can be at risk of harm or abuse. Safeguarding legislation and government guidance says that safeguarding means that professionals have a duty to:
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protect children from maltreatment
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prevent impairment of children's health or development
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ensure that children grow up in circumstances which are safe
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take action to enable all children to have the best outcomes
The government advise: "the action we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm is everyone's responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play'.
Steve Rafferty
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Joe Williams
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Kerry Haines
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Chris Dutton
Safeguarding Governor​
What does this mean in practice?
The school has a legal obligation to report any concerns about a child if they feel that a child may be subject to neglect or physical, emotional or sexual abuse. This includes concerns about the child in the home and the wider environment. If we have such a concern, we will contact Children's Services at the local authority to ensure that concerns are dealt with in a manner which puts the well-being of the child as priority. We appreciate that parents and carers can find these events very worrying and upsetting. Whenever possible, we will discuss concerns with parents before seeking advice to safeguard a child; however, there are some incidences when we are obliged to seek support from a professional trained to investigate safeguarding concerns.
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Training
All school staff have a responsibility tp provide a safe environment in which children can learn. All staff receive training and regular safeguarding updates. The Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Leads have additional training in order that they can carry out their responsibilities effectively. The Safeguarding Leads give advice to staff and also liaise closely with other services such as children's social care.
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Links
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Keeping Children Safe in Education