Safeguarding Statement for Berrymede Junior School
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centered. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.
At Berrymede Junior School the health, safety and well-being of every child are our paramount concern. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is that children will enjoy their time as pupils in this school that they are safe and feel safe at all times. Berrymede Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. It expects all staff, volunteers and members of our community to share this commitment.
We follow the principles as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (2016): Staff members working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare of a child, staff members should always act in the best interests of the child.
Our school procedure for safeguarding is in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2019).
We listen to our children and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs of physical/emotional harm or neglect, be aware of extremist views and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
On rare occasions our concern about a child may mean that we have to consult other agencies. We will ensure where possible that all concerns are discussed with parent/carers first, before any referrals are made, unless we believe that such a move may be contrary to a child’s welfare.
If you want to know more about our procedures or the policy which is on the school website, please speak to the designated persons for child protection.
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)are:
Mrs L Khan – Interim Executive Head Teacher
Mrs N Patel – Head of School
Mr M Craze – Phase Leader, Lower School
Mrs J Cotton – Phase Leader, Upper School
Mrs R Gavin – Before & after school provision
