Safeguarding
The welfare of our children is our priority
Dove CE Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. This means that we have a Safeguarding Policy and procedures in place that all staff including supply staff, volunteers and governors must ensure that they are aware of.
We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs of physical/emotional harm or neglect and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
Through our curriculum we teach children to stay safe and happy. We encourage the understanding that any problem or worry that they may have is legitimate, and to share their worries, big or small with their trusted adult; at home; school or with ChildLine.
Our Procedures
The following procedures are part of our standard safeguarding roles & responsibilities:
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Children know who they can talk to if they have a concern
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All staff complete the Safeguarding Level 1 training
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Safeguarding practices and procedures are included in the induction process for new members of staff
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Recruitment of new staff is led by a member of staff trained in Safer Recruitment
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All Safeguarding leads complete Safeguarding training level 2 & 3
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There is a safeguarding link governor who regularly monitors safeguarding procedures and internal practices
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Volunteers, supply staff and visitors to Dove CE Academy are introduced to our safeguarding expectations and procedures
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We work closely to support all other agencies working with our children and families
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.
We actively support the Government’s Prevent Agenda to counter radicalisation and extremism.
We recognise that some children may be the victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse and that all of the staff are well placed to identify such abuse and offer support to children in need.
If during the holidays/out of school hours, you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person or see something in the community please report it to the Staffordshire Safeguarding Team.
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Front Door Service (formerly First Response) 0300 111 8007 – Option 1 – you will then be presented with further options depending on the nature of the enquiry. (Monday – Thursday 8am and 5.30pm and 8am to 4.30pm on a Friday)
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Outside of 8am – 5.30pm, overnight, over a weekend and Bank Holidays, any child protection concerns should be directed to Staffordshire County Council Emergency Duty Service on (EDS) 0345 604 2886.
Anyone can make a referral. You could also phone 101.
We all have a duty of care.
Early Help
At Dove CE Academy, we understand that from time-to-time family life can have its complications. Sometimes families may need some extra help. To support and advise you at such times we have an Early Help Offer.
We believe that by working together we can better support children and families. Sometime families need support from a wide range of agencies or people, for example, health services, housing services, family support workers, social workers, food banks and local police.
As a school we may be able to signpost a range of services to support families beyond the education setting.
