Safeguarding Statement
At St Leonard’s CE Primary Academy we have an important role to play in identifying any concerns children and young people may have, and promoting health and wellbeing throughout all areas of their life. All staff are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people. We expect volunteers and our surrounding community to do the same.
Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation applies to all children up to the age of 18.
Safeguarding legislation and government guidance says that safeguarding means:
- Protecting children from maltreatment
- Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
- Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome
The academy adheres to the following three DfE safeguarding documents:
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022
- The Prevent Duty 2015
- The St Leonard’s CE Primary Academy Safeguarding and Child Protection policy is located on this page.
The academy’s immediate Safeguarding Team consists of:
- Mrs Julie Warburton – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) –Headteacher
- Miss Clare Walshe – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Assistant Head
Our safeguarding leads are the first point of contacts for all students, parents, staff, members of the public and volunteers in all matters of safeguarding and child protection. Our safeguarding leads will conduct the relevant safeguarding procedures and work closely with HR to ensure that all staff are kept up to date with any training they may need. All Safeguarding Leads will receive appropriate training every two years.
If you are ever concerned about the safety or wellbeing of any child, please speak directly with one of our named safeguarding leads above. If our safeguarding leads are unavailable, their duties will be carried out by a senior member of staff, where appropriate. Any complaints or allegations made against a member of staff will immediately be referred to the Headteacher who will inform the safeguarding leads and the Chair of the Academy Council, Clare Lindley. Where the Headteacher is the subject of an allegation or complaint, these duties will be carried out by Clare Lindley, Chair of the Academy Council, in liaison with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
All staff have a duty of care to report concerns when they arise.
Parents and carers will be informed of such concerns unless to do so would increase the risk to the child.
A record of any concern will be kept on file and shared with other safeguarding professionals as necessary. Written records will be kept locked and secure, computer records are encrypted.
UK Safer Internet Centre Hotline
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
NSPCC helpline – 08088005000
If you are concerned about a child or are looking for advice about a child, and would like to speak with a duty social worker, get in touch with The Swindon Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) using the contact details below.
MASH office hours
Normal office hours are 8.30am to 4.40pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am to 4.00m on Friday. Call 01793 466903 and choose Option 2, or email: swindonmash@swindon.gov.uk.
Out of hours
The Emergency Duty Service (EDS) provides an emergency contact point for all aspects of social work in Swindon outside normal office hours. This includes cover during the night, weekends and bank holidays.
The EDS is available on 01793 436699.
If you think that a child is in immediate danger, contact the police emergency line by dialling 999.
NSPCC is keeping children safe with PANTS (The Underwear Rule)