If you are worried about the safety of a child

Safeguarding of Children

All those who come into contact with children and families have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

If you are worried that a child might be being abused or neglected you should:

  • Tell the Designated Person as soon as possible. In the Junior School this is Mr Williams or Miss Deer / Mrs Williams, if he is not available.  In the Infant School it is Mr Broad or Mrs Featherstone / Mrs Williams if he is not available.
  • Remember that an allegation of child abuse or neglect may lead to a criminal investigation, so don’t do anything that may jeopardise a police investigation such as asking leading questions or attempting to investigate the allegations of abuse.
  • Where concerns arise as a result of information given by a child, it is important to reassure the child but not to promise confidentiality.
  • Record all information given to you in writing, as soon as possible. Write down where you were, what they said, what you said, and who you told. You may be asked to put this onto a child protection form or record it on CPOMS if you are a member of staff.

Working safely with children

Never put yourself in a position where there could be the possibility that you could be accused of inappropriate behaviour.

  • Make sure there are other children or adults around the place you are working.
  • Make sure doors are open and you can be easily seen by people walking past.
  • Don’t instigate physical contact.
  • Don’t pass on or accept phone numbers.
  • If you have any concerns, however small, make sure you pass them on to the child’s teacher or to Mr Williams at the Junior School or Mr Broad at the Infant and Nursery School.
If you have any concerns over the welfare of a child you can speak to any member of staff or our safeguarding teams.  Alternatively, you can report them using the Report an Issue link below.
If you are worried about your child's internet safety, please click on the CEOP link to go to their website for advice and help.
This link takes you to other useful safeguarding information: devonsafeguardingchildren.org
 
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For other useful safeguarding information click below: