Keeping Our Children Safe
The Governing Body of Nine Acres Primary School takes seriously its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (section 157 in relation to the independent sector) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm.
We recognise that all staff and Governors have a full and active part to play in protecting our pupils from harm, and that the child's welfare is our paramount concern.
We strongly believe that our school should provide a safe, caring, positive and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
Health and Safety
We have a robust health and safety policy, which is monitored each term by the relevant members of the school governing body. The Local Authority provides a routine inspection service and we use the SOSA and LA monitoring checklist to ensure we are compliant with all Health and Safety responsibilities. The Headteacher, School Business Manager, Caretaker and Governors with responsibility for Health and Safety oversee this comprehensive list. Any concerns from staff are reported to any of the above and an initial examination takes place immediately, assessing what remedial action needs to take place. On at least a half-termly basis, there is a fire drill to practice efficient evacuation from the buildings. The school conducts an annual Fire Risk Assessment. There is also a critical incident plan that details what staff and parents should do in the case of emergencies.
Appointment and Induction of Staff and Work Placements
All staff appointed to work in school have a criminal records search called a DBS check. This search highlights people who have a criminal record or if previous allegations have been made against them. If any member of staff is found to have a criminal record, the appointment is reconsidered by the Headteacher and the HR committee of the Governing Body. The LA is informed directly by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Newly appointed staff are assigned a mentor for their induction period. They are familiarised with procedures, policies and safeguarding practices before starting at the school and are regularly updated during their first weeks at the school. All staff receive monthly updates and training.
Induction of Volunteers
All volunteers must have DBS clearance. For any extended contact with children, when children may be left alone with an adult, or when an adult visitor may be in and around the school building, a full DBS search will be conducted. Visitors who do not yet have clearance will under no circumstance be left alone with a child or group of children.
Welcoming Visitors
All visitors with a professional role - eg supply teachers, the School Nurse or members of the police - have relevant clearance. Students who work within our school community also have their DBS clearance confirmed. Anyone who spends time in school without this confirmation will be accompanied at all times.
People you need to know
Designated Safeguarding leads:
Mrs Elizabeth Dyer—Head Teacher
01983 522984
Miss Rachel Paddon—Assistant Head/SENCO
01983 522984
Mrs Hussey—Child and Family Worker
01983 522984
Office Manager
Miss Charley Buckett
office@nineacrespri.co.uk
School Nurse—Harriet Keyworth
01983 821388 Harriet.keyworth@iow.nhs.uk
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):
Barbara Piddington and Mark Blackwell - 01962 876364
Secure Email child.protection@hants.gov.uk.
E-Safety - Why teaching your children about staying safe online matters.
From learning in class to playing games at home, children are doing more on the internet than ever before - and it's a wonderful place. However, just as in 'real life', it's important to make sure your child is staying safe online. We know how demanding it can be to find the time when you're a busy parent, and also just how daunting it can be to try and work out if the information you've found online is up-to-date.
That's why we were so pleased when Internet Matters launched to support parents and families.
www.internetmatters.org is a portal dedicated to making sure all parents are only a click away from advice, tips and support about online safety for children. The information is divided into age-appropriate sections to help you talk to your child about the issues and technologies they'll come across as they grow up online. From setting your parental controls to teaching your child how to be a good friend online, you'll find a wealth of information so that you can spend less time researching and more time having fun with your family.
Please use the links below to help you when discussing E-safety with your children and to gain a clearer perspective of what it is like for our children living in a rich technology driven world!
Useful Links
Click here to access the government guidance on working together to safeguard children
Click here to access the government guidance on Prevent Duty
Click here to access the Childnet website
Click here to access the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS)
Click here to access the NSPCC Website
Click here to access the CEOPS Website
Click here to access the Childline Website
Click here to access the Barnardos Website