King’s Court First School is wholly committed to ensuring that all children and adults at risk who engage with our school are cared for in a safe and secure environment.  All adults are responsible for safeguarding.

Children should:  Feel safe and listened to.

Adults should: ‘Think the unthinkable.’ Act, rather than do nothing.

Mission Statement

To provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment where each child will recognise and achieve their full potential, so that they can make the best contribution to society.

King’s Court First School fully recognises our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We wish to create a safe, welcoming and vigilant environment for children where they feel valued and are respected.

Safeguarding information is published throughout the school and all children know who they can talk to in school and how they can make an anonymous disclosure using our CPOMs system.

We recognise that the school may provide the only stability in the lives of children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm.

We are aware that the behaviour of a child in these circumstances may range from that which is perceived to be normal to aggressive or withdrawn.

We are able to play a significant part in the prevention of harm to our children by providing them with good lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection.

All staff members within the school-working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare of a child, staff members should always act in the interests of the child.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are:

Mrs. Sue Pye-Beraet:  Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs. Natasha Martin:  Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs. Lucy Johnson:  Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs. Trudie Horsburgh:  Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Office

Mr. Neil Dodds:  Designated Governor for Safeguarding/Child Protection

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child or young person’s welfare.  We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with their parents or carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child or young person’s welfare.

What to do if you have a concern about a child

During term time

If you have a concern about a child during School Term Time, please email your concern to office@kingscourtfirstschool.co.uk

Your concern will be forwarded to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Chair of Governors if appropriate.

Staff can report a concern using our internal systems.

During the school holidays

If you have a concern about a child during the school holidays, please report your concern to RBWM.  All referrals for children or young people living in the Royal Borough should be sent to MASH@achievingforchildren.org.uk  or you can call on 01628 683150.

Emergency concern

If it's an emergency, you can call:

• Customer First on 0808 800 4005 if you're worried that a child or young person is at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect.

• The Police on 999

Public concern

If you have a safeguarding concern for a child you see out in public, please report your concern to RBWM or follow guidance provided by the NSPCC.

We have a Safeguarding Policy and procedures in place, of which all staff (including supply staff, volunteers and governors) must ensure be aware and follow.  This policy is available on the school website - About us Tab-Policies-Safeguarding.  A printed copy can be obtained from the school office upon request.

SAFEGUARDING PROVISION FOR THE CHILDREN

CPOMs

All safeguarding records are stored on CPOMs, a secure electronic system.  If it is an immediate child protection concern (or you are not sure if it is) write it down and/or alert a DSL - Mrs. Sue Pye-Beraet, Miss Sam Powell, Mrs. Lucy Johnson or Miss Emma Fancy immediately.  If you believe it is interesting information, but not an immediate child protection concern please log the information.  King’s Court child protection incident form can be used for more sensitive information.  But the main thing is to log information if you have an uncomfortable feeling about something.  DSLs will monitor CPOMs to ensure that safeguarding records are up to date and recorded.

BUBBLE BOX

Every class has a Bubble Box system which is a discreet 1:1 time that a child can request from an adult when they want to talk about something that is worrying them or making them feel uncomfortable.  Please ensure that you are aware of the Bubble Box system in the class you are working in.  If you are not sure, please check with the team leader.

ALERT CARDS

Each class has a picture of their class animal displayed prominently in the classroom.  Please ensure you know where the cards are in the classes that you work in.  In there is an emergency or if you need to report an immediate child protection concern and you are on your own in class, then, ensure the card is taken by a sensible child to the next available adult.  If all else fails, take it to the office.  The adult will know that assistance is required in that class room.

HOMETIME

We send the children out of the classroom door when the adult we are expecting to collect the child comes to the door.  Please do not let the child go with anyone else other than the adult you are expecting.  If you are unsure, then you must check.  Ensure the child is safe in school and check with the office or one of our DSLs.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Please do not discuss a child with any other child’s parent or carer. Do not promise confidentiality if a child discloses any information to you.  You cannot promise this as the information will need to logged and passed to the appropriate adult in school and they in turn may need to pass information on the external agencies in order to safeguard a child.  You would also be breaking a child’s trust if you promise and then share.  Please does not use the word ‘secret’ but change it to surprise.  Children are unlikely to disclose information that is not true.

LISTEN/RECORD/REPORT             THINK THE UNTHINKABLE           SEPTEMBER 2022