At West Pennard Church of England Primary School the health, safety and wellbeing of every child is our top priority. We expect all staff, Governors, parent/carers and visitors to share this commitment to safeguarding our pupils.

The designated members of staff for safeguarding are:

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Tony Wheat, Head Teacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Lorraine Clarke, SENCo and Mrs Alex Pinsent, SLT

Designated Safeguarding Governor: Mrs Sylvia Smith

The aim of our Child Protection work is to safeguard and promote our children’s welfare, safety, health and guidance by fostering an honest, open caring and supportive climate. Their welfare is of paramount importance. West Pennard School fully recognises the responsibility it has under the Education Act 2002 and the contribution it can make to protect children and support them in school.  All staff and volunteers involved with children (teaching and non-teaching) have a responsibility to be mindful of issues related to children’s safety and welfare and a duty to report and refer any concerns.

SCHOOL COMMITMENT

We recognise that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult helps all children, and especially those at risk of, or suffering from, abuse.

West Pennard Primary School will therefore:

• Maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.
• Ensure that pupils know that there are adults in the school who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty.
• Include in the curriculum, activities and opportunities for PHSE/Citizenship, which equip pupils with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse.
• Ensure that wherever possible every effort will be made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies.