Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all our children. Each child’s welfare is of paramount importance. We recognise that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse e.g. those that are less mobile or have difficulty communicating, and that their needs are unique to them and that no one size fits all.  We recognise that children who are abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. We will ensure that no child will feel that what they have to say is a problem or carries any shame. As a school we are committed to putting the child at the heart of any procedures that operate. We recognise that, safeguarding concerns do not adhere to school/home boundaries and that what happens at home and within the wider school environment including on social media, is as relevant as what happens within the classroom. Behaviour may be challenging and we recognise that at times, this may impact on other children either directly or indirectly. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support all our children.

Safeguarding is at the heart of how we run our school. It is not only about high-level child protection but about how we prevent the need for this. It is considered, for example, in our:

• anti-bullying policies
• staff conduct policy
• school attendance procedures
• online safety policy
• curriculum design
• behaviour management policy
• health and safety arrangements
• school transport provision
• safer recruitment practices