HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL
SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY - SUMMARY
The purpose of this policy is to
 Outline the responsibilities the school and its staff members have in respect of child protection
matters.
 Provide staff with an overview of child protection issues.
 Provide a clear procedure that includes allegations against members of staff
 Ensure that all the DMS has appropriate training updated every 2 years - every 3 for other
adults within the community.
 Provide enough information to ensure that any weaknesses in CP arrangements can be
identified and rendered immediately
The policy addresses matters of Child Protection through three key Elements:
 Prevention through the teaching and pastoral support offered to pupils.
 Procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse.
 Support to pupils who may have been abused.
Preventative approaches
This section gives an overview of why a supportive school ethos is essential and acknowledges
the fact that most children will know their abuser. It acknowledges the need for rigorous structures
that will support students by raising awareness through the curriculum, assemblies and visitors to
school.
This section also identifies how photography is to be used within the school setting and on trips, to
ensure the safety of the students. Further to this, it identifies how safer recruitment procedures are
essential in safeguarding students.
Overview of Procedures
The school follows the procedures set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, which
ensures that all members of the school community are aware of those procedures and receive the
appropriate training.
Support for pupils at risk
All pupils will receive the support of the appropriate people and through relevant strategies within
the school, who will liaise with the required external agencies if necessary.
Categories and indications of abuse
An outline of each category (sexual, physical, neglect & emotional) are defined. Each category is
then related to each age appropriate group (under five, five to twelve and twelve plus), with an
explanation of indicators given. Within the category of physical abuse, identification of types of
injuries is also given.
Overview of procedures – Managing disclosures and making a referral:
(Given the importance of this stage, an extract has been taken from the policy – forms for
completion when following these procedures are located within the staff room)
This gives an overview of procedures to follow and expectations of how staff are to conduct
themselves when dealing with a student. If a member of staff has concerns about a student they
need to record on appropriate form which is passed on to the Child Protection Officer, who will
monitor the situation. If a member of staff still has concerns or evidence to suggest abuse is taking
place they need to raise these concerns by completing Form 2 and discuss concerns with the
Child Protection Officer. The Child Protection Officer will then decide what the next course of
action is to be. This decision will be made within 24hrs.
Making a Referral:
This course of action is made by the Child Protection Officer who notifies the appropriate external
agencies. If it is safe to do so the Child Protection Officer will inform parents of the need for a
referral. Once a referral has been made the notified external agency will decide on an appropriate
course of action.
If a member of staff is not happy about the decision made by the Child Protection Officer they have
the right to contact social services direct.
If allegations are made against the Child Protection Officer then the Head is to be notified. If
allegations are made against the Head then the chair of governors needs to be notified.
If the Child Protection Officer is absent then the Head is to be notified.
A flow chart of procedures is provided on p.22
Child protection records
This gives an overview of how records are maintained and stored, in compliance with legal
requirements. There is also a copy of each record sheet that will need to be completed once the
disclosure has been made.
Monitoring
Schools will monitor pupils whose names are on the Child Protection Register in line with what has
been agreed in the child protection plan. Monitoring will take place by looking at both the staff and
procedures through a process of: when, what, who, how.
Roles and responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities are defined for the designated member of staff, the Headteacher and the
Governing Body. An overview of staff responsibilities is also given and a detailed account of
responsibilities within the process once a disclosure has been made.
There is also an account of procedures in the case of allegations made against members of staff
and an overview of child protection for work experience students.
Contact Numbers
A list of key personnel and associated contact details are recorded in this section.
Safer Recruiting
An outline of safer recruitment procedures is defined in line with legal requirements. This includes
both the process of employment and the required associated documentation as detailed within the
DBS central register.
Reviewing Arrangements
Statement of review for policy.