Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Cottingham C of E Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Our school has a child centred and co-ordinated approach to safeguarding. Consequently, safeguarding and child protection is at the forefront of everything we do. and is 'everyone's responsibility.' We ensure systems are in place that are well promoted, easily understood and easily accessible for adults and children to confidently report any form of abuse or neglect, knowing their concerns will be treated seriously, and knowing they can safely express their views and give feedback.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our children are discussed with parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.

Our Commitment

All adults who work with our children and on behalf of Cottingham CofE Primary School will comply with safeguarding procedures in relation to recruitment, risk assessments, off and on site procedures, environmental safety, e-safety and as part of their every day practice with children. It is the responsibility of all staff to know safeguarding procedures, apply the principles in practice, attend training and report any concerns.

All staff will undergo an enhanced DBS check and it their responsibility to notify the DSL if there has been any change in their personal circumstance that may pose a threat to children.

Every organisation has to have a “named” person for safeguarding children and young people. The Governing body has to ensure that an appropriate member of staff should take the lead. This person should have the status and authority within the school to carry out the duties of the post including committing resources and where appropriate supporting and directing staff.

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, found on our policies page, sets out the process for dealing with child protection concerns. The school can provide you with a hard copy if required; please ask at the school office.

All adults in school must have regular training to ensure that they are aware of the signs of abuse and know what to do about their concerns. They have a duty to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Cottingham CofE Primary School has a legal duty to talk to other agencies such as Children’s Social Care and the Police if we feel that a child may be at risk of harm

We are committed to safeguarding and meeting the needs of all our pupils.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads 

If you believe that a child in our school may be at risk, please talk to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL).

If you are worried about a child outside of school time, you can call the local Multi Agency Support Hub, MASH, for advice (anonymously if needs be) on 0300 126 7000 (option 1).

Safeguarding Team Poster

What should I do if I have concerns about a child or family?

Speak with one the safeguarding leads at school who will be able to listen, help or advise the next step.

Contact Northamptonshire multi agency safeguarding hub (MASH) on 0300 126 7000. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) The MASH can advise on whether a family needs early help or whether they meet the threshold for statutory child protection. Telephone: 0300 126 7000 (Out of hours - 01604 626938) Email (secure address): MASH@northamptonshire.gcsx.gov.uk or report a concern online. 

What to do if you have concerns about an adult

We have a policy on Safeguarding concerns or allegations made against adults which you can find on our Policies page. 

If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff, you should inform the Headteacher immediately. In their absence, inform the Deputy Safeguarding Lead immediately. You can also report any concerns you have in relation to an adult's behaviour, to the North Northamptonshire Designated Officer.

You can contact the Designated Officer for North Northamptonshire, Sheila Kempster on: 07831 123193

The Designated Officer (formerly known as the Local Authority Designated Officer or LADO) should be informed of all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child

or

• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children, for example if their conduct falls within any of these categories of abuse:
  - Physical
  - Emotional
  - Sexual
  - Neglect

Allegations made against workers who are paid, unpaid, volunteer, agency, casual and self-employed as well as foster carers, and adoptive parents of children on Placement Orders should all be reported to the Designated Officer. This should be done within 24 hours of the incident.

Designated Officer

Children & Families Support

North Northamptonshire County Council have a dedicated website for children & parent safeguarding information. The website offers a number of links to Children Trust services.

Early Help Support

The Early Help Support Service is for those working with children and families. We provide information, advice or guidance around: -Early Help Assessment -Support to create a team around the family meeting (including finding out what other agencies may be involved with the child or family you are supporting) access to services, interventions and training. Telephone: 0300 126 3000 Email: earlyhelpsupport@northamptonshire.gov.uk 

 Safeguarding Documents 

• Child Missing in Education Procedures download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineChild Missing in Education Procedures
• DDSL Job Description download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineDDSL Job Description
• DSL Job Description download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineDSL Job Description
• KSCIE 2024 download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineKSCIE 2024
• PDET Approach to Safeguarding 2021 download_for_offline
  download_for_offlinePDET Approach to Safeguarding 2021
• The Prevent Duty 2015 download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineThe Prevent Duty 2015
• Visitors Safeguarding Information Leaflet download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineVisitors Safeguarding Information Leaflet
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineWorking Together to Safeguard Children 2023