Safeguarding

Safeguarding Statement

The Galfrid School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment and we provide training to support them in this role.

Under the Education Act 2002 (section 175/157) schools must “make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children”.

We will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.

The Galfrid School will therefore be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and will follow the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LCSB) procedures to ensure that the children receive appropriate and effective support and protection.

• The law requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

• You should be aware that records of welfare concerns may be kept about your child. School staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with you, including referrals to other agencies.

• In situations where the child is suspected to be at risk of harm, the law says that schools may take advice from other agencies without informing parents/carers.

In accordance with local Information Sharing protocols, we will ensure that information is shared securely and sensitively. Information will only be shared with other services where it is deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure that children and young people are safe and receive the right service.

The Galfrid staff will seek advice from Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer from significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded. Parents and carers will appreciate that the member of staff in school with responsibility for child protection (known as the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Designated Person) was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children.

Under Section 3 (5) of the Children Act 1989 schools or any person who has care of a child “may…. do what is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child’s welfare.” This means that on rare occasions, a school may need to “hold” a child in school whilst Social Care and the Police investigate any concerns further. We endeavour to make this experience as comfortable as possible for the children involved.

We thank parents and carers for supporting us in this important part of our role. If you require any further information, do not hesitate to contact a member of our Inclusion Team.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. These policies and procedures model those proposed by Cambridgeshire County Council, for the safety of all.