Safeguarding and Child Protection

Safeguarding Lead in School – Mrs Butler

Deputy Safeguarding Leads in School – Mrs Philpott

Safeguarding Governor – Mrs Charlotte Spafford

Keeping Children Safe

Normanton on Soar fully recognises its responsibilities for child protection. It aims to ensure that children are effectively safeguarded from the potential risk of harm and that the safety and wellbeing of all children is of the highest priority in all aspects of the School’s work. In addition, it aims to maintain an ethos whereby staff, pupils, parents and governors feel able to articulate concerns comfortably, safe in the knowledge that effective action will be taken as appropriate.  In order to ensure that we comply with expectations, a number of procedures and practices are in place. These include:

A ‘single central record’ with details of all employees.

• Records of any racist incidents.
• Records of any bullying and harassment incidents.
• Record of any welfare concerns.
• Risk assessments.   

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy applies to all adults, including volunteers, working in or on behalf of the School and it is expected that everyone working in or for our School shares the responsibility to keep children safe from harm and abuse and reports any concerns to the Head Teacher, as senior designated person for child protection.

We are also conscious of our responsibility to closely monitor and support recognised vulnerable groups of children (e.g. pupils who are ‘looked after’ or are on the child protection register).  To help us discharge the duty, we work closely with key external agencies to ensure safeguarding practices are complied with.

With regard to the appointment of staff, the recruitment panel includes a member of staff who has been trained in safer recruitment practices and gained the necessary qualification.

We provide a secure site for our children and adults are asked to adhere to our rules. School gates are kept locked except at the start and end of the day. Visitors may enter only through the main entrance after signing in at the office. We welcome volunteers, including parents, into our School, but at all times ensure that such volunteers are suitable to work with children.  Those who volunteer time with the children on a regular basis are required to undergo checks before they do so.  

The value of direct teaching on the subjects of respect, healthy relationships and keeping oneself safe is recognised as a key feature of the School’s proactive and preventative approach to safeguarding.  Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) teaching includes units on themes and topics such as Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education, Sex and Relationships Education, Stranger Danger and e-safety issues. Children are encouraged to explore and discuss these issues in a safe environment. Parents of older children, who undertake specific units of work on sex education, will be informed before the teaching takes place and have the opportunity to view teaching materials.