Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Statement:

The Dales School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school. All North Yorkshire schools, including The Dales School follow the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their child/ren. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents. The school’s child protection policy is available publicly on the School’s
website.

SCHOOL COMMITMENT

The Designated Safeguarding Leads are: Ann-Marie Ellis & Sharon Kettleborough  

School is committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of all of its pupils. Each pupil’s welfare is of paramount importance. We recognise that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse e.g. those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (ref. KCSIE para107), those living in adverse circumstances. We recognise that children who are abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. Whilst at school, their behaviour may be challenging. We recognise that some children who have experienced abuse may harm others. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support all of our pupils.

Safer Recruitment and Selection

The school has a pivotal role to play in multi-agency safeguarding arrangements that will replace the current NYSCB arrangements, and contributes to multi-agency working in line with statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

The three safeguarding partners will make arrangements to allow all schools and colleges in the local area to be fully engaged, involved and included in the new safeguarding arrangements. It is expected that they will name schools as relevant agencies. If named as a relevant agency we are under a statutory duty to co-operate with the published arrangements.

The school pays full regard to DfE guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018; the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012; the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009 and NYCC Schools’ Recruitment procedures and guidance http://cyps.northyorks.gov.uk/hr-recruitment (login required).

We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in or on behalf of the school who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult and follow NYCC guidance on checking volunteers and contractors.

EYFS

Early Years’ Staff are made aware that they are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands and warnings which may affect their suitability to work with children (whether received before or during their employment at the school/setting) or any circumstances which could lead to consideration of disqualification.

Partnerships with other agencies

The school recognises that it is essential to establish positive and effective working relationships with other agencies: Prevention Service, Children and Families Service, Barnardo’s, Police, Health, District Council, NSPCC ChildLine Schools’ Service, National Youth Advocacy Service, Children’s Centres  etc.)

All schools and colleges should allow access for children and families service staff from the host local authority and, where appropriate, from a placing local authority, for that authority to conduct, or to consider whether to conduct, an assessment including under section 17 or section 47. Consent from the parent and child (where of sufficient age and understanding) is required for assessments by the prevention service or under section 17.

School complies with the requirement under the Children Act 2004 to co-operate with other organisations and agencies in activities relating to children.

School Training and Staff Induction
The school’s Designated Senior Person for child protection undertakes basic child protection training and attends training in inter-agency working (to standards agreed by the NYSCB) and refresher training at least every 2 years.

Support, Staff Meetings and Advice for Staff
At The Dales school, supervision provides support, coaching and training for staff and promotes the interests of children and fosters a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues.