Child Protection is a very important aspect of safeguarding. It refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.  Other areas of safeguarding have specific policies and guidance which should be read in conjunction with the Child Protection Policy.

The Children’s Act 1989 introduced the concept of significant harm as the threshold that justifies compulsory intervention by statutory agencies in family life in the best interests of children. There are no absolute criteria on which to rely when judging what constitutes significant harm. Sometimes it might be a single traumatic event, but more often it is a compilation of significant events which damage the child’s physical and psychological development. Decisions about significant harm are complex and require discussion with the statutory agencies.

The responsibility for child safeguarding falls on everybody who is employed at the school. All adults who work at Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School are expected to support the school’s Child Protection Policy, with overall responsibility falling upon the Headteacher. All staff members, including volunteers, have a statutory obligation to report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) if there is suspicion of abuse/neglect of a pupil or if a pupil discloses abuse or allegations of abuse.

During term time the DSL and / or DDSL are always available during school hours for staff to discuss any safeguarding concerns. Staff may contact the DSL and DDSL out of hours / out of term using contact phone numbers or via the school e-mail as long as any written concerns are sent securely (e.g. password protected or encrypted).

We follow the child protection procedures set out by the Wiltshire Safeguarding Children Board/ SVPP (Safeguarding Vulnerable People’s Partnership) and will have regard to the latest statutory guidance issued by the Department for Education Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Our Governing Body ensures a member of the governing body, usually the chair, is nominated to liaise with the local authority and/or partner agencies on issues of child protection.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is a senior member of staff designated to take lead responsibility for:

• managing all child protection issues (Headteacher leads on allegations against staff)
• keep secure child protection plans, write records and reports
• Child Protection Policy and procedures: lead in evaluation, review and revision, ensure available to staff and parents
• induction of staff and volunteers/staff training/ensure staff are aware of safeguarding policy and procedures
• providing advice, information and support to other staff/adults in the school and with other pastoral staff to pupils on safeguarding issues
• understand (and participate in) early help assessments and process for early help
• liaising with the local authority and local safeguarding children board
• working in partnership with other agencies; referrals and support; information sharing
• ensure a culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings.

For the Child Protection Policy, and other relevant policies, go to the Policies section of the website