Safeguarding

‘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. School staff are particularly important as they are in a position to identify concerns early and provide help for children to prevent concerns from escalating. All school and college staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn.’

Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2020)

At King's Ford our Safeguarding Approach is:

• We are proactive in noticing signs of children's welfare
• We know safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
• We know that a small concern could form part of a bigger jigsaw
• We know how and when to share information
• We are happy that leaders have dealt with our concern effectively

We recognise that:

• The well-being and safety of the child is paramount.
• All children, regardless of gender, age, ability, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, racial heritage or identity, have equal rights to protection from harm or abuse;
• Some children are at greater risk to harm or abuse due to the impact of their previous experiences, communicational needs, level of dependency or other needs;
• Working in partnership with parents and carers is crucial to support the child, as is working closely with outside agencies and groups.
• We recognise that abuse or harm can happen to any child in any setting, therefore we must remain open, vigilant and sensitive to this at all times.
• We are open and honest with parents and carers, and share concerns (if safe to do so and not place children in significant harm)

Everyone at King's Ford Academy has a responsibility to provide a safe learning environment. All members of staff are aware of the local early help process and our role in it.  They are aware of signs of abuse and neglect so they are able to identify children who may be in need of help or protection.  All members of staff are aware of and follow school processes and are aware of how to make a referral to Social Care if there is a need to do so.  If staff have any concerns about a child’s welfare, they know that they must act immediately and speak with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or deputies. Staff are aware that they do not assume that others have taken action.

All members of staff at King's Ford Academy receive the appropriate Safeguarding Level 2 training every year with updates when required.

Safeguarding team:

Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs C Jackson

Deputy Safeguarding Lead – Mrs K Jackson

Deputy Safeguarding Lead - Miss Taylor

Deputy Safeguarding Lead - Mrs Harris