Safeguarding & Operation Encompass

Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility

At Smallwood CE Primary Academy, the safety, wellbeing and welfare of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where all children can flourish and let their light shine.

If you are concerned that a child may be at risk of harm, or that their wellbeing is being affected in any way, please do not hesitate to take action. Concerns can be reported directly to Cheshire East Children's Social Care on 0300 123 5012, or you can contact the school.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mr Iestyn Lewis (Headteacher). Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Katie Carr (Deputy Headteacher) and Whitney Plant.

However, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns can be shared with any member of staff, who will ensure that the information is passed on appropriately. Even if you are unsure, please report your concern. What may seem like a small piece of information could form part of a wider picture that helps keep a child safe.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding includes:

• Protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

• Preventing impairment of children's health or development.

• Ensuring that children grow up in safe and effective care.

• Taking action to enable all children to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Child protection forms an important part of safeguarding and focuses specifically on protecting children who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering, significant harm. Schools, families and other agencies work together to ensure that children receive the support and protection they need.

Operation Encompass

Smallwood CE Primary Academy is proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that supports children who may have been exposed to domestic abuse.

Through Operation Encompass, the school receives confidential information from the police before the start of the next school day following a domestic abuse incident where a child has been present, witnessed the incident, or may otherwise have been affected by it.

This information is shared securely with the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead and enables us to provide appropriate support, care and understanding to children when they need it most. All information received through Operation Encompass is treated sensitively and confidentially.

Safeguarding Through the Curriculum

Helping children learn how to keep themselves safe is an important part of our curriculum. Through our teaching, collective worship, assemblies and wider school experiences, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make safe and informed choices.

Children learn about a range of safeguarding topics, including:

• Online safety and responsible use of technology.

• Road and personal safety.

• Healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.

• Positive relationships and respect for others.

• Anti-bullying and recognising unacceptable behaviour.

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing.

• Recognising unsafe situations and knowing how to seek help.

These themes are taught through our PSHE and Relationships Education curriculum, collective worship, themed events and visits from external agencies, including the NSPCC, police, fire service and other specialist organisations.

Safer Recruitment of Staff, Governors and Volunteers

Smallwood CE Primary Academy follows the statutory guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education to ensure that all adults working with children are suitable to do so.

Our safer recruitment procedures include:

• A rigorous application and interview process.

• Verification of identity and qualifications.

• Professional references and employment history checks.

• Investigation of any gaps in employment.

• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where required.

• Additional safeguarding checks where appropriate.

Staff involved in recruitment have received safer recruitment training.

Governors and volunteers are also appropriately vetted and risk assessed. Where individuals work regularly with children or undertake unsupervised activities, the necessary safeguarding checks, including DBS checks, are completed.

Safeguarding Training

All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training as part of their induction and undertake regular updates throughout the year.

Staff are required to read and understand the relevant sections of Keeping Children Safe in Education and are trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns. Regular updates, briefings and discussions ensure safeguarding remains at the forefront of school life.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads undertake enhanced safeguarding training and attend regular local authority and safeguarding network updates to ensure that practice remains current and effective.

Safeguarding is a standing item in staff meetings and leadership discussions, reflecting our commitment to maintaining a strong culture of vigilance and care.

Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

Smallwood CE Primary Academy has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures designed to safeguard children and promote their wellbeing.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

• Behaviour Policy.

• Online Safety Policy.

• Health and Safety Policy.

• Staff Code of Conduct.

• Whistleblowing Policy.

• Attendance Policy.

• Educational Visits and Risk Assessment Procedures.

Regular risk assessments are undertaken for school activities, educational visits and events. Fire drills and emergency procedures are practised routinely, and our school expectations of being Ready, Kind, Respectful and Safe help ensure that all members of our school community can learn and thrive in a secure environment.

At Smallwood CE Primary Academy, safeguarding underpins everything we do as we seek to nurture every child, help them reach their potential and truly let their light shine.