Safeguarding – Keeping Children Safe

Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs. Derwin     

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads – Mrs Clark, Mrs Button

Our pupils are continually taught and encouraged to live healthy lifestyles and adopt safe practices. Our safeguarding policies and practices help to ensure that they are safe, happy and healthy.

School policies are in place to ensure that there is a consistent approach to practices throughout the school and that they are followed by staff, governors and volunteers.

Adults have a tremendous impact on young children and with this in mind adults at Hazelmere Junior School:

 -  are good role models for children

 -  enjoy their work and working with children

 -  are conscientious and hard-working

 -  welcome to support visitors to school

 -  recognise and value strengths in each other and use these to support everyone

 -  work within the agreed policies of the school

 -  promote a happy, caring and safe school

 -  encourage children to think for themselves, ask questions and find answers

 -  create an environment of trust whereby children are trusted to work seriously

 -  challenge and support children in their learning.

There are many policies in place to safeguard our children, including:

 Child Protection

This is a sensitive area in which all staff receive regular training. Hazelmere and other services for children and families all work together to support the needs of children. There is a designated officer and a deputy designated officer for child protection in school and there is also a named governor for child protection. The child protection policy can be viewed by parents on our website. The policy is reviewed at least annually in line with any changes that may have been made to the Essex model policy by the safeguarding team. This is to ensure the integration of current issues and good practice.

Attendance

Children’s attendance at school is monitored on a daily basis and notable absences or patterns of absences are followed up by the school attendance officer.

Behaviour

High standards of behaviour are expected in our school. Our Behaviour Policy sets out how we promote positive behaviour and deal with any problems. Our children are often reminded about our school rules and they know that we have them in order for everyone to be happy and safe.

Health and Safety

Everyone at Hazelmere knows they have a responsibility to ensure children and adults are able to work in a healthy and safe environment. We have first-aiders amongst our staff – they deal with illnesses and accidents should they occur.

Curriculum

Through the planned curriculum, we ensure that the issues of healthy eating, physical exercise and safety are taught. This aspect is enhanced by themed weeks and many visitors to school e.g. police officers who talk to the children about issues such as road safety.

E-Safety

The aim of this guidance is to inform all staff of best practice around e-safety and draw attention to existing local and national guidance on this subject so that we can maintain the safest possible learning and working environments for children and staff alike. The document has been created in line with national and local guidance.

Safer recruitment and selection

This aspect is taken very seriously. Governors and the school ensure that all staff new to the school and volunteers who work in school on a regular basis undertake a CRB check and full references are acquired before the person takes up post.

Complaints

If parents have any complaints, we will listen to your concerns and will follow up any issues. The school is committed to working closely with parents / carers for the benefit of the children. There is a clear procedure in place; the school will always be happy to meet with you and help resolve any issues.