Child Protection
CHILD PROTECTION
WOOLACOMBE SCHOOL CHILD PROTECTION ISSUESA POLICY ON WHAT WE DO AT OUR SCHOOL
(to be amended if necessary)
This policy is in line with the current practice at our school and should always be kept in mind when dealing with any concerns regarding the safety of children.
* The aims are to ensure that children are safe and protected from any abuse
* We aim to provide a safe and caring environment in which children know that they can go to any member of staff who will act on their behalf
* We aim to be open and frank in our dealings within the family but with the child being the main concern
* We aim to liaise professionally and quickly with outside agencies if we have any concerns
* We aim to respect the child in all matters and give them opportunities to express their concerns
Child abuse can take many different forms; from that of physical aggression, emotional starvation and that of a sexual nature. Any concern, of any nature, must be brought ultimately to the Head Teacher of the school who is the named person.
The Head Teacher will always log the concern in writing and if there is any real concern then the Social Services will be contacted.
Children who wish to share their problem may talk with non-teaching staff, maybe at a quiet moment during play time or a child may make a casual comment or statement. This must be reported straight away either to the class teacher who will log it in their personal diary and then inform the Head Teacher or straight away to the Head Teacher. Children may make a comment during a lesson or as one child did during a presentation by the community policeman.
It is also possible that their friend or peers may be told things and therefore it is important that we create a 'telling' environment. Children need to know it is right to tell and must have opportunities during the school day to do so e.g. circle time, one to one, counselling sessions (usually done with Mrs.Brown, Lewis or Foster), or a time to stay at the beginning of playtime or end of the day etc.
The children are informed that the post-box kept in the library area is also another means of communication.
I have also known a pupil tell a class-mate, who was the son of a member of staff, that her mother's boyfriend had got into bed with her. Luckily the boy felt that this was not right and told his mother. I am sure that the girl had hoped for this conclusion.
If you hear or are told anything...report it immediately.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS - HOW WILL WE KNOW?
Children spend a considerable amount of time at school - at work and at play. When children get changed for Physical Education (lack of kit or excuse of not having a kit may be hiding a symptom), look out for bruising etc. especially on those who have already been designated having concern. Friday Lunch time staff meetings and our regular daily contact with each other both, formal and informally, are opportunities for awareness raising.
Sometimes children will withdraw into themselves and appear unhappy, depressed or aggressive to their peers or adults, others will seek attention and be demanding. Behaviour patterns may change and low self-esteem becomes apparent. Children may not want to go home at the end of the school day as life may be more preferable at school. I have know children physically hurt themselves and scratch their own face and hands.
There are many signs but they need to be treated with caution but for a child to be safe is over-riding. ( See S.E.N. Box File)
Talking with your children and getting to really know them may reveal symptoms and much more. It may be a warning bell if a very young child has to get themselves ready for school, make their own sandwiches whilst their parents are still in bed. Others within the community may notice more about what goes on. I have had several concerned members of the village ring me about what they know about a family and this also helps to build a picture.
Any concerns of any nature must be shared.....the head teacher will then decide as to the appropriate action.
All regular parent helpers must be given a police check. Forms from the office. This will need to be explained to your parent helpers but I am sure they will totally agree.
The Children's Act has helped us all focus on the needs of the child and at Woolacombe School. There are copies if what it means in the Special Needs Box File in the Staff-room and the Child Abuse handbook is kept in the Head Teacher's Study - BUT nothing ever replaces US.
AGENCIES WHO MAY BE OF HELP;
Social Services
Health Visitor / School Nurse / Local G.P.
Education Welfare Officer
Police
Local school of siblings e.g Ilfracombe, Braunton College, or The Lantern Pupil Referral Unit
N.S.P.C.C.
N.C.H. Back to top
