Our approach to the care of our children aims to ensure that they will feel secure, and that they will be able to talk and to feel that they will be heard. The E4L and PSE curriculum supports discussion of relationships, trust and personal space and includes various aspects of the Cambridgeshire ‘Staying Safe’ programme. While this formal curriculum is important, the culture of the school, the strength of the tutorial system and the positive relationships formed between children and teachers all strengthen not just our overall care but also the likelihood both that our children may feel able to confide in us and that we will ourselves be aware of causes for concern. Our day to day contact with the children means that we are well placed to observe outward signs of abuse. 

We have two fully trained designated Child Protection Officers, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the Head of the Junior Department. All staff, including visiting instrumental teachers and individual needs teachers, catering and maintenance staff and administration staff, receive training from the Cambridgeshire Education Child Protection service, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) or the Head of the Junior Department and this training is regularly updated for all staff.

The Children Act (1989) requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from non-accidental injury, neglect, emotional or sexual abuse, to the Head and/or the designated child protection officers. The school will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with parents, and where possible seek their consent for any referral to the County Social Care Department. However, this can only be done where such discussion and agreement-seeking will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm.

The School ensures that the criminal background of applicants for vacant posts is checked in accordance with statutory guidance. In all such matters, the school is bound by and willingly complies with its legal obligations and follows the procedures set out:

Working together to Safeguard Children DfES March 2010

Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education DfES Jan 2007

Dealing with Allegations of Abuse Against Teachers and Other Staff Oct 2012

Cambridgeshire Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures (updated July 2011)

What to do if You Are Worried a Child is Being Abused DfES 06

Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People in Education Settings  DCSF 09

Dealing with Allegations of Abuse Against Teachers and Other Staff DfE 2011