ETHOS

The School recognises the importance of providing an ethos and environment that will help children feel safe, secure, and respected, encourage them to talk openly and enable them to feel confident that they will be listened to.

We recognise that children who are abused or witness violence are likely to have low self-esteem and may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth. They may feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of blame. Our school may be their only stable, secure and predictable element.

The School will endeavour to support the welfare and safety of all pupils through:

Maintaining children’s welfare is our paramount concern.

Ensuring the content of the curriculum includes social and emotional aspects of learning

Ensuring that child protection is included in the curriculum to help children stay safe, recognise when they don’t feel safe and identify who they might / can talk to.

Providing suitable support and guidance so students have a range of appropriate adults to approach if they face difficulties.

Promoting a positive, supportive, neutral and secure environment where pupils can feel valued and heard in their own right.

Ensuring all steps are taken to maintain site security and student’s physical safety.

Working with parents to build an understanding of the school’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of all children, including the need for referral to other agencies in some situations.

Ensure all staff can recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and are aware of the school’s procedures and lines of communication.

Monitoring children and young people identified as having welfare or protection concerns; keeping confidential records stored securely and shared appropriately with other professionals.

Developing effective and supportive liaisons with other agencies.