At Pendeen School, we recognise that we all have a responsibility to help safeguard children. We know that keeping children safe is the most important aspect of our role. All staff are are trained to Multi-Agency Level 3 apart from staff who joined us in September 2022 who are trained to Level 2. All staff employed in September 2023 will be trained to Safeguarding Level 3.
All staff meetings, SMT meetings and Staff Briefings begin with a standing item - SAFEGUARDING
We use CPOMS to record ALL safeguarding concerns and all concerns are followed up by the DSL and / or DDSL.
The following people have particular responsibilities within the school and can provide useful support should you have any questions or concerns.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Chris Wilson, Headteacher
head@pendeen.tpacademytrust.org
01736 788 583
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Miss Becky Curnow
RCurnow@pendeen.tpacademytrust.org
Safeguarding Governor
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Chris Wilson, Headteacher
head@pendeen.tpacademytrust.org
01736 788 583
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Miss Becky Curnow
RCurnow@pendeen.tpacademytrust.org
Safeguarding Governor
If you have concerns for a child's welfare, the following website provides useful information for parents and carers:
https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/how-to-help/worried-about-a-child/
https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/how-to-help/worried-about-a-child/
Safeguarding Statement
At Pendeen School we intend to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.
In order to achieve this we will:
Exclude known abusers
At Pendeen School we intend to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.
In order to achieve this we will:
Exclude known abusers
- It will be made clear to applicants for posts within the school that the position is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations of Offenders Act 1974.
- All applications for work within the school, whether voluntary or paid, will be interviewed before an appointment is made and will be asked to provide at least two references. All such references will be followed up.
- In the case of applicants with unexplained gaps in their employment history, or who have moved rapidly from one job to another, explanations will be sought.
- All appointments, both paid and voluntary, will be subject to a probationary period and will not be confirmed unless they have a police DBS check.
Seek and supply training
- We will seek out training opportunities for all adults involved in the group to ensure that they recognise the symptoms of possible physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.
Prevent abuse by means of good practice
- Adults will not be left alone for long periods of time with individual children or small groups.
- Adults who are waiting for DBS confirmation will not be left alone with any children.
- Children will be encouraged to develop a sense of autonomy and independence through adult support in making choices and in finding names for their feelings and acceptable ways to express them. This will enable children to have self-confidence and the vocabulary to resist inappropriate approaches.
Respond appropriately to suspicions of abuse
- Pendeen School enables staff to quickly respond to any changes in a child’s behaviour or appearance. Changes in children’s appearance/behaviour will be investigated. Concerns will be shared with the teacher who will share the information with the Headteacher. The child’s welfare is paramount. Pendeen School staff understand they have a duty to report any concerns they may have about a child. Some suspicions will be referred to Social Care if appropriate.
- All such suspicions and investigations will be kept confidential. The most commonly involved will be the teacher. We refer to the document ‘What to do if you are worried a child is being abused’ issued by the Department of Health, and the document ‘Child Protection Procedures’ issued by LSCB.
- If any volunteer or member of staff is accused of any form of child abuse, an investigation will be carried out and the Local Authority Designated Officer will be informed.
- Confidential records will be kept of the allegations and of all subsequent proceedings.
Keep Records
- When worrying changes occur, a confidential record will be set up. The record will include: name, address, age, time and dated factual observations, together with the dated time and signature of the observer.
- Such records will be kept in a separate file and will not be accessible to anyone in the School other than the Headteacher or any other member of staff as appropriate.
- Liaise with other bodies
- Pendeen School operates in accordance with local authority guidelines.
- Confidential records will be shared with Social Care if appropriate.
Support Families
- Pendeen School staff will take every step to build up trusting relationships between families and the School.
- Where abuse at home is suspected, the School will continue to welcome the child and family while investigations proceed.
- Confidential records will be shared with a child’s parents.