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SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION

WELCOME TO SHELTON INFANT SCHOOL

Volunteers’/Visitors’ Responsibility

This information has been given to you to make sure you understand what is expected of you in relation to safeguarding our children. Please seek advice from a Designated Safeguarding Lead if you are unclear about anything.

All those who come into contact with children through their everyday work whether paid or voluntary are responsible for their own actions and behaviour.

At Shelton Infant School we all have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of our children. Thank you.

SAFE WORKING WITHIN SHELTON INFANT SCHOOL

Provide a good example and be a positive role-model by being respectful, fair and considerate to all.

REPORT ANY SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS TO EITHER A DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD OR TO THE TEACHER YOU ARE WORKING WITH.

Treat all children equally, never build a special relationship with a particular child above all others.
Ensure that when working with individual children, that the door is left open, or that you can be visible to others.
Do not photograph children (unless requested by the school staff), exchange mails, text messages, and phone numbers or give out your own personal details.
Do not receive or give gifts unless arranged through school.
Avoid any contact with children which would lead any reasonable person to question your motivation and intention.

MOBILE PHONES

Please switch off all mobile devices whilst you are in school.

IDENTITY BADGES

All visitors within Shelton Infant School must wear their visitors badge received from Reception or their agency/school identity badge. All adults without a badge will be challenged.

DBS Certificates

All staff, including supply staff, regular visitors and volunteers are subject to Disclosing and Barring Service (DBS) certificates. Advice about DBS certificates is available from the school office.

WORRIED ABOUT A CHILD

Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) or neglect can have a damaging effect on a child’s health and emotional well-being. Some changes in a child’s behaviour may not necessarily indicated that a child is suffering abuse or neglect. In some cases those changes may be symptoms of a hidden disability, undiagnosed medical condition or changes in medication. If whilst working with a child you become concerned about:
Comments made by a child
Marks or bruising on a child

Please report these concerns to the class teacher or phase leader, who, if they feel it is appropriate, will pass to a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Disclosure of abuse by a child

Whilst this can be an alarming situation, it is important that you know what to do in such an eventuality and for you to be able to stay calm and controlled.

Listen to what is being said without displaying shock or disbelief. Accept what is being said.
Allow the child to talk freely, listen rather than ask direct questions. Ask the child to: Tell, Explain, Describe (TED).
Reassure the child, but do not make promises that might not be possible to keep.
Do not promise confidentiality but explain to the child that you have to tell their teacher or Headteacher in order that you can help them.
Do not interrogate the child or ask leading questions. Re-assure the child that it is not their fault.
Stress that it was right to tell.
Make them aware that their disclosure will be reported only to those that need to know and can help.
Record details of the disclosure immediately including wherever possible the exact words or phrases used by the child. Sign and date the record.

Report your concerns and give your written record to a Designated Safeguarding Lead to enable the matter to be dealt with in the most appropriate way.