This policy applies to all staff, agency staff, contractors, governors and volunteers working in the school. It reflects current legislation, accepted best practice and complies with government guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children (2020) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2020) Children Act (2004) Statutory Framework for Early Years foundation Stage (2020) The London Safeguarding Children Board Procedures and HM Prevent Duty Guidance (2021 & 2015). What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused (2015).
1. Purpose
At Montpelier we recognise the fundamental importance of safeguarding and its centrality to all our work. We believe that all children have the right to attend school and learn in a safe environment. “Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child”. To do this, staff must know how to work to keep children safe, identify risks, signs of harm or potential harm and how to seek advice from the school’s designated safeguarding leader. (Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021)
Staff and Governors at Montpelier are aware that many children are the victims of different kinds of abuse and that they can be subjected to social factors that have an adverse impact upon their lives – including domestic violence, substance misuse, bullying, mental health and radicalisation. We also acknowledge that safeguarding incidents could happen anywhere and staff should 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.