SAFEGUARDING AT PRIESTLEY SMITH SCHOOL

We place the safety and wellbeing of our pupils at the heart of everything we do. Working closely with families, the local authority, and other agencies, we seek to safeguard our pupils at all times and ensure any concerns are dealt with quickly and effectively.

 

We have clear and robust policies and processes in place to ensure the very highest levels of safeguarding. These policies are appropriate to us as a special school and take into account the vulnerability of some of our pupils. We carry out all the necessary checks before appointing new staff and provide them with comprehensive training upon joining us and every year thereafter. This means our teams have an excellent understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities; they know how to work safely with pupils, how to recognize signs of abuse, and what to do if they have any concerns.

 

Through assemblies and PSHE lessons, we teach pupils how to protect themselves from harm both in the ‘real world’ and online. This training is appropriate to each pupil’s ability and needs.

 

Summary of Child Protection Information

Our school is committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted to our care. We will support all children by:

• Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment

• Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness

• Effectively tackling bullying and harassment

 

We recognise that some children may be the victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Staff working with children are well placed to identify such abuse.

 

At our school in order to protect our children, we aim to:

• Create an atmosphere where all our children feel secure, valued and listened to

• Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse

• Respond quickly, appropriately and effectively to cases of suspected abuse

 

If you have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact the following staff member as quickly as possible either by emailing safeguarding@priestley.bham.sch.uk or telephoning 0121 325 3900

• Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs Sharon Blair Burke

• Deputy Safeguarding Lead Mrs Joanna Garvey

• Deputy Safeguarding Lead Mrs Claire Race

• Deputy Safeguarding Lead Mrs Liz Clabon

 

Everyone working with our children, their parents and carers should be aware that their role is to:

• Listen and carefully note any observations which could indicate abuse

• Not to attempt to investigate once the initial concern is raised

• Refer to the Designated Senior Lead (DSL) immediately

• Contact the Head or the Deputy DSL if the DSL is not available

• Remember disclosures of abuse or harm from children may be made at any time

 

If anything worries you or concerns you, report it straight away