Upperthong J&I School Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding Statement
Upperthong J& I School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this committment. Consequently, all adults working in school are required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Enhanced Police Check. The DBS details of all adults working in school are kept on a Single Central Record which is updated by the Bursar.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding committment, including our Safeguarding Policy which can be viewed below and in the Policies section of our website. All staff in school have completed Safeguarding Training delivered by the Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board or have completed one of the Board’s online training programmes.
It may be helpful for parents to know that the Local Authority requires the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead to report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse which includes non-accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. This procedure is intended to protect children at risk and schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. This does mean that there is a risk of upsetting some parents by reporting a case, which on investigation proves unfounded. In such circumstances, it is hoped that parents, appreciating how difficult it is to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the School was acting in what were believed to be the child’s best interests. Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.
We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.
Our Designated Safeguarding Leader (DSL) is Mrs Carolyn Littlewood (Headteacher). Our Deputy DSL in school is Mrs Kate Nussey (Deputy Headteacher) and at Breakfast and After School Club Mrs Marta Szwedek takes this role. The Safeguarding Governor is Mrs Sarah Smith & the Chair of Governors is Mrs Catherine Patel.
Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. Should you have a concern regarding the safety and well being of a child please contact the DSL in the first instance on 01484 683176 or carolyn.littlewood@upperthongschool.co.uk or the deputy DSL on kate.nussey@upperthongschool.co.uk . Should you have a concern regarding policy and procedures not being followed then Sarah Smith and Catherine Patel can be contacted via the school in writing or on office@upperthongschool.co.uk
It is also possible for anyone to make a referral directly to Social Services by ringing the Duty and Advice team on 01484 414960.
Don’t think, ‘what if I’m wrong?’ Think,’ what if I’m right?’