Westminster C of E Primary Academy takes its role in safeguarding extremely seriously and our staff will do everything they can to protect pupils and children from harm.

We acknowledge that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all of our staff are trained to be vigilant and aware of the signs and indicators of abuse.

The viewpoints and voice of pupils is of paramount importance to our Academy and we will always listen to their wishes, thoughts and feelings, as well as identifying and supporting their needs. We will work alongside pupils to develop trusting, consistent and professional relationships.

We use the early help process and, where possible, we will identify any difficulties or concerns early in order to act preventatively. The continuum of need may also be used to identify and monitor concerns. We will always provide support and advice for families and parents/carers, whilst acting in the best interests of the pupil at all times. Safeguarding also includes ensuring we follow safe working practices and provide a secure learning environment for our pupils and staff.

We safeguard pupils by:

• Maintaining a secure site and ensuring that all visitors to the academy are recorded and monitored.
• Ensuring that safer recruitment practices are followed to prevent those who pose a risk to children gaining access to our pupils.
• Ensuring that all staff employed by the academy have received Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance which is recorded in the Single Central Record.
• Ensuring that all pupils understand the importance of e-safety both at the academy and at home.
• Filtering and monitoring all internet traffic into the academy to ensure that pupils cannot be exposed to harmful material and communication.
• Providing regular training and briefings for all staff in child protection and ensuring that all staff, pupils and visitors know who our designated child protection officers and designated senior lead are.
• Ensuring that admission and attendance procedures are robust to protect pupils, ensure that they are safe and prevent pupils from going missing from education.
• Making sure that all pupils understand the importance of disclosing concerns about themselves and peers, and giving them the confidence to discuss sensitive issues.
• Providing support to ensure that all pupils have access to guidance and advice, and when needed referrals for additional agency support to meet their needs.
• Sharing information with other agencies and services to ensure that pupils, children and their families have support to meet their needs and prevent children and pupils from harm.
• Taking immediate action and contacting the appropriate agencies when we believe that a pupil or child is in danger or is at risk of harm.

Our safeguarding policy can be accessed here