Child Protection

Designated Trustee Bob Smith

Designated Lead CP officer Head of Pastoral Care: Amanda Hannah

Deputy DSO Headteacher: Adam Abdelnoor

Next review date : Currently under review

Prevention Protection Support

Inaura’s child protection policy is modelled on the LSCB Model Child Protection Policy and adopted and adapted for use by Inaura the inclusion Charity. It describes the roles and responsibilities of the governing body, our professional development strategy, and the various procedures, forms and protocols we follow when concerns arise relating to possible harm to children and how we support children at risk. It also outlines key related issues which are covered in other policies comprising recruitment, safeguarding and ICT, and allegations made against staff.

Inaura places the highest priority on safeguarding and promoting our pupil’s welfare, safety, health and guidance. We fully recognise our responsibilities and accountabilities under the Education Act 2002 and the contribution we can make.

Our aims

• Prevention through the teaching and pastoral support offered to the pupils within the whole school protective ethos.
• Protection by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are appropriately recruited, trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to Child Protection concerns.
• Support to pupils who may have been abused. 

This policy applies to all staff working in the school, including Trustees. Concerned parents/carers/social care may also contact the school or one of the Trustees. Child Protection is the responsibility of all adults, especially those working with children. The development of appropriate procedures and the monitoring of good practice are the responsibility of Inaura following the guidelines of the Somerset Local Safeguarding Children Board. (LSCB) The Trustees fully recognise their responsibilities with regard to Child Protection and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Inaura School will ensure that senior managers and all staff have training in Safeguarding and Child Protection on an on-going yearly basis and whenever specific issues arise or changes are required. Where it is believed that a pupil is suffering from, or is at risk of, significant harm, we will follow the procedures set out in the South West Child Protection Procedures (www.swcpp.org.uk) and the LSCB documents which can be found on www.somersetsafeguardingchildrenboard.org.uk

Our procedures make clear that the welfare of the child is of paramount importance. We recognise that confidentiality needs to be discussed and fully understood by all those working with children, particularly in the context of Child Protection. The only purpose of confidentiality in this respect is to benefit the child.

Inaura School recognises that children who are abused or who witness violence, may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. This school may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk. Inaura School will endeavour to support pupils who have experienced trauma.

Our school maintains a secure and robust reporting system which is accessible by appropriate staff. We always pass information on to Children’s Social Care in a timely manner. If a student is involved in a Child Protection conferences the school will be represented and share information about the child and his family. When recruiting staff and volunteers, the school ensures all appropriate checks are made. This is covered by our safer recruitment policy. Staff are regularly reminded about our Whistleblowing Policy.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Inaura’s Safeguarding policy and other related polices

Useful Publications

• Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education

• Working together to Safeguard Children 2006

• Staying Safe Action plan

Useful Websites

• www.somersetsafeguardingchildrenboard.org.uk

• www.everychildmatters.gov.uk

Essential Phone Numbers

• Somerset Direct 08453459122

• Safeguarding for Schools Advisor (Liz Bidmead) 01823 358269

• Local Authority Designated Officer (Clare Winter) 01823 355697