WHAT IS SAFEGUARDING?
Safeguarding is about protecting our children from abuse or neglect.
At Bell Farm, the safety and well-being of our children is of the utmost importance, and we are all responsible for the safety of children. We ensure that we are doing all we can to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
All staff believe that our school should provide a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
All staff receive annual training on safeguarding, and our school is fully compliant with “Working together to Safeguard Children” and “Safeguarding children and safer recruitment in education.”
We support children’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence, and provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, and feel confident, and know how to approach adults if they are in difficulties, believing they will be effectively listened to.
We provide a systematic means of monitoring children known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensure we, the school, contribute to assessments of need and support packages for those children. We have a structured procedure within the school which will be followed by all members of the school community in cases of suspected abuse.
All staff working within our school who have substantial access to children have been checked as to their suitability, including verification of their identity, qualifications, and a satisfactory DBS check (according to guidance) and a central record is kept for audit.
This guidance brings together sources of information about the main risks children may be particularly vulnerable to during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and signposts you to help and support available.
Whistleblowing
Bell Farm Primary School is committed to the highest possible standards of honesty, openness, probity and accountability. It seeks to conduct its affairs in a responsible manner, to ensure that all its activities are openly and effectively managed, and that the School’s integrity and the principles of public interest disclosure are sustained.
In line with that commitment, all members of staff and those working on behalf of the School who have serious concerns about any aspect of the School’s work are encouraged to come forward and voice those concerns to their immediate manager and/or the Headteacher. Staff not only have the right but also a duty to report any improper actions or omissions, particularly where the welfare of young people may be at risk. Where any member of staff decides to report a serious incident within the scope of this policy, whether anonymously or otherwise, this will be treated as a ‘protected’ disclosure. Staff members should feel reassured that they can raise concerns in accordance with this policy without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination or disadvantage. All staff employed in schools maintained by Surrey County Council have access to an external, independent and confidential service provided by Expolink.
Read more from our Whistleblowing policy Whistle Blowing Policy