If you’re worried that a child or young person is at risk or is being abused, report it.
Our pupils are continually taught and encouraged to live healthy lifestyles and adopt safe practices. Our safeguarding policies and practices help to ensure that they are safe, happy and healthy.
School policies are in place to ensure that there is a consistent approach to practices throughout the school and that they are followed by staff, governors and volunteers.
Adults have a tremendous impact on young children and, with this in mind, adults at St James’ CE Primary:
- are good role models for children
- enjoy their work and working with children
- are conscientious and hard-working
- recognise and value strengths in each other and use these to support everyone
- work within the agreed policies of the school
- promote a happy, caring and safe school
- encourage children to think for themselves, ask questions and find answers
- create an environment of trust whereby children are trusted to work seriously
- challenge and support children in their learning.
As part of our curriculum for teaching and learning, we ensure that the issues of healthy eating, physical exercise and safety are taught. This aspect is enhanced by the many visitors to school, such as police officers who talk to the children about issues such as road safety, safe people and drugs awareness. In addition, there are many policies in place to safeguard our children, including:
Child Protection
This is sensitive area in which all staff receive regular training. St James’ CE Primary School and other services for children and families all work together to support the needs of children. There are six designated officers for child protection in school: Natalie Beatson, Lucy Valentine, Jackie Freeman, Michelle Bald, Tracy Small and Nicola Walshaw. There is also a named governor for child protection. Read our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. This is based on the Leeds model policy but has been adapted to suit our particular context by school leaders and governing body. Our policy is reviewed annually in line with any changes that may have been made to the model policy by the safeguarding team, or to reflect other changes and best practice. This is to ensure the integration of current issues and good practice.
Domestic Violence
St James’ CE Primary School works closely with West Yorkshire Police to support children who are resident in households where there are incidents of domestic violence and abuse. Confidential information is provided to schools on any incidents of domestic violence and abuse which occur within a child’s household that might have an impact on a child whilst he or she is in school.
We know that children can be significantly physically or emotionally hurt, either by being present in the house or directly witnessing an incident of domestic violence. A member of the school staff is trained to use the information that has been shared, in confidence, so that the school is able to make provision for possible difficulties experienced by children or their families. We are keen to offer the best possible support to our pupils and we believe this is beneficial for all those involved.
If you would like further support or information about domestic violence and abuse please go to www.leedsdomesticviolenceandabuse.co.uk.
The member of staff who is specifically trained is Mrs Weekes, who works across all Sphere Federation schools. If you need to speak to her, contact Mr Roundtree or Miss Beatson.
Attendance
Children’s attendance at school is monitored on a daily basis and notable absences or patterns of absences are followed up by school and in more serious cases the Attendance Strategy Team.
Behaviour
High standards of behaviour are expected in our school. Our Relationships and Behaviour Management Policy sets out how we promote good behaviour and deal with any problems. Our children are often reminded about our school rules and they know that we have them in order for everyone to be happy and keep safe.
Health and Safety
Everyone at St James’ knows they have a responsibility to ensure children and adults are able to work in a healthy and safe environment. We have several first-aiders amongst our staff – they deal with illnesses and accidents should they occur.
Curriculum
Through the planned curriculum, we ensure that the issues of healthy eating, physical exercise and safety are taught. This aspect is enhanced by themed weeks and many visitors to school eg police officers who talk to the children about issues such as road safety, safe people and drugs awareness.
Online safety
Our Online Safety Policy sets out best practice around e-safety and draws attention to existing national guidance on this subject so that we can maintain the safest possible learning and working environments for children and staff alike. There are important appendices, that set our clear expectations around acceptable use of online activity for children and adults in school.
We encourage parents/carers to read the acceptable use agreements, and to support their child at home to follow the same points to help them stay safe online. Our Learn More section provides lots of help and support for you to use at home.
Tell us if you’ve any concerns about your child’s and others’ use of technology.
Prevent Duty
Schools have a statutory duty to pay ‘due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’. It is important to remember that whilst the threat from so-called Islamic State has been a focus in the Counter Terrorism and Security Act, the Prevent Duty is clear that extremism of all kinds should be tackled too. In England, far right groups such as Britain First and the English Defence League need to be tackled, too.
Read our guide for parents – it could be a good way to prepare yourself when supporting your child in any difficult discussions.
Safer recruitment and selection
This aspect is taken very seriously. Governors and the school ensure that all staff new to the school and volunteers who work in school on a regular basis undertake a DBS check and full references are acquired before the person takes up post.
Complaints
If parents have any complaints, we will listen to your concerns and will follow up any issues. The school is committed to working closely with parents / carers for the benefit of the children – no problem is too small. There is a clear procedure in place; the Head of School will always be happy to meet with you and help resolve any issues and if you continue to feel an issue has not been resolved then you could contact our Governing Body.