Safeguarding

Child protection statement

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.

We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff, volunteers and governors.

Policy principles

  • The welfare of the child is paramount
  • All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection
  • All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm
  • Pupils and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support

Policy aims

  • To provide all staff with the necessary information to enable them to meet their child protection responsibilities
  • To ensure consistent good practice
  • To demonstrate the school’s commitment with regard to child protection to pupils, parents and other partners

TCSF-Safeguarding-and-Child-Protection-Policy-2024-25.pdf

St Rumon's Child Protection and Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Mr AJ Woodgates

01822612085 - St Rumon's

01822614640 - St Peter's

aj.woodgates@stcmat.org

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Miss Eleanor Charlesworth 

01822612085

eleanor.charlesworth@stcmat.org

Other members of the team (all Level 3 trained):

Mrs Belinda Atkinson

01822614640

belinda.atkinson@stcmat.org

Operation Encompass

The school has been given the opportunity to take part in a project that will run jointly between schools and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person has been exposed to, or involved in, any domestic violence.

Operation Encompass will ensure that a specified member of the school staff, known as a Key Adult, is trained to allow them to liaise with the police and to use the information that has been shared, in confidence.

This will enable us, as a school, to make provision for possible difficulties experienced by children, or their families, who have been involved in, or exposed to, a domestic abuse incident.  This could be as little as just knowing or letting them bring in a particular comfort without question or giving them time away from others to settle.  The response for each child will be individual and confidential.

https://www.operationencompass.org/

Reporting directly to child protection agencies

If you are concerned about a child or young person in Devon, please contact our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk

If a child is at immediate risk contact the police on 999

Staff will follow the reporting procedures outlined in the safeguarding policy. However, they may also share information directly with children’s social care, police or the NSPCC if:
- the situation is an emergency and the Designated Safeguarding Lead, their deputy, the headteacher and the chair of governors are all unavailable
- they are convinced that a direct report is the only way to ensure the pupil’s safety
- for any other reason they make a judgement that direct referral is in the best interests of the child

Useful links

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2https://www.gov.uk/report-teacher-misconducthttps://www.nspcc.org.uk/https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted/about/complaints-procedure

Whistle Blowing

If you wish to report a safeguarding concern to Ofsted or the NSPCC you can use the links below

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted/about/complaints-procedure

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/dedicated-helplines/whistleblowing-advice-line/

The NSPCC website provides lots of useful information and excellent advice for parents covering many issues regarding safeguarding e.g. online safety, home alone, staying safe on social media etc., 

Gaming: resources for parents and carers

The UK Safer Internet Centre has published a leaflet for parents and carers providing information and advice about online gaming, and how to help support children and young people enjoy online games positively and safely. 

https://saferinternet.org.uk/blog/gaming-resources-for-parents-and-carers