Safeguarding
At Downs View, all staff have a duty of care to all children.
Safeguarding involves:
- Protecting children from maltreatment
- Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development
- Making sure children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes
The Government have produced a document called ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) which is updated annually or before if there any important changes. This guidance informs our safeguarding procedures and practices.
Child protection
This is part of the safeguarding process. This refers to the processes and procedures involved in response to concerns raised about a child.
Our policy below outlines this process and procedures in detail:
Online safeguarding
Online safety is an essential part of safeguarding and we acknowledge our duty to ensure that all learners and staff are protected from potential harm online.
We identify that the internet and associated devices, such as computers, tablets, mobile phones and games consoles, are an important part of everyday life. We believe that learners should be empowered to build resilience and to develop strategies to manage and respond to risk online.
Our policy below outlines guidance and procedures which apply to all staff including the governing body, leadership team, teachers, support staff, external contractors, visitors, volunteers and other individuals who work for, or provide services on behalf of the setting (collectively referred to as “staff” in this policy) as well as learners, parents and carers.
This policy applies to all access to the internet and use of technology, including personal devices, or where learners, staff or other individuals have been provided with setting issued devices for use off-site, such as work laptops, tablets or mobile phones.
We regularly put updates on our weekly newsletter with current advice about particular sites or support for parents to manage the use of the internet at home to keep your child safe.
Raising a concern about your own/ somebody else’s child
You should start by talking to your child’s class teacher as they will be able to support you and your child with any classroom concerns. If this needs to be referred to a DSL they will do so to safeguard your child. This may result in seeking extra support or advice from external professional services. If you feel you or your child is at immediate risk, you can speak directly with a DSL or call:
NSPCC helpline :0808 800 5000
Integrated Front Door Children’s Services 03000 4111111 or
Police – 111 or 999 (if an emergency)
The same procedure applies if you are concerned about another child. All calls can be kept anonymous and confidential if you request this.
If you have a specific issue, these websites may be useful
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
Other support in school for my child and myself
At Downs View we have a team of pastoral support for you to access. We have:
- FLO (Family Liaison Officer ) – works every day in school and can be seen on the gate daily or can be contacted via school telephone, mobile: 07884866105 or via email : office@downs-view.kent.sch.uk
- SEN Co/Inclusion Leader who works Monday – Thursday -if you feel your child has additional needs which may be raising safeguarding concerns. You can contact her via school telephone number or via email: office@downs-view.kent.sch.uk
There is always a listening ear to support you and your family. They will be able to offer advice and support and signpost you to other professionals if this was required. They have a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience.
Early Help Services
You may need regular support from a worker, for a short period of time. They can access a number of services but their main aim is to improve outcomes for children. This can range from dealing with behaviours displayed at home or anything which may be affecting the well-being of the family. Early Help are a supportive service, working with you, the school and your family to make a difference. This leaflet explains more:
Safeguarding education
At Downs View Infant School, we believe that the personal, social and health development of each child, in conjunction with their citizenship skills, has a significant role in their ability to learn. We value the importance of PSHE and Citizenship in preparing children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. In addition, we believe that a child needs to learn about the many emotional aspects of life and how to manage their own emotions. We are also aware of the way that PSHE supports many of the principles of Safeguarding.
It is a cumulative curriculum which is age appropriate and covers:
Strand 1
‘Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities’
Strand 2
‘Preparing to play and active role as citizens’
Strand 3
Developing a healthy lifestyle
Strand 4
Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people
PSHE and Citizenship also contributes to career-related learning enabling children to develop ideas and beliefs about the world outside and beyond school and to increase their awareness of the world of work.
Children are also taught: Sex and Relationship Education from year 1 upwards:
At Key Stage 1 Sex Education is not taught explicitly. We aim to develop sex and relationships in the context of a broad and balanced curriculum that is part of the wider framework of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship. Sex and Relationship Education will be fully integrated into the curriculum.
SRE should enhance learning through:
- Attitudes and values
- Personal and social skills
- Knowledge and understanding
Safeguarding education is taught in a variety of ways which is carefully and sensitively planned to ensure that is appropriate to each child’s social, emotional and physical stages of development. It brings serious messages in a way to ensure children are engaged and prepared to safeguard themselves and others.
Whistleblowing
If you are concerned that you have not been listened to or you have a concern about another adult in school, you can use the procedures outlined in our whistleblowing policy (see policies).
You can call the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline - 0800 028 0285 - if you would like further advice about procedures followed for any concern.
