Safeguarding
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children's health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcome.
- A child means everyone under the age of 18
- Children need the right help at the right time to address risks
- Remember it could happen here where safeguarding is concerned
- We are all responsible for the welfare of children and keeping the environment safe, whatever our jobs
What do I need to do?
Always Act - in the best interests of the child. Never promise confidentiality
Know How - to identify children who may benefit from early help
Know the Different - types of abuse and neglect, so that you can identify children who may be in need of help or protection
| Know what to do if a child tells you they are being abused or neglected | Know who the Designated Safeguarding Lead is and talk to them as soon as you are concerned |
Schools have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children; schools are expected to consult with Hertfordshire's Children's Services if there is a concern for a child’s welfare. A referral is not intended as an accusation, it is a reporting of concerns in accordance with Hertfordshire Child Protection Procedures.
The head teacher is the designated teacher for child protection and will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about our child protection policies and practice. In her absence, the school has three further designated safeguarding leads, the Deputy Head Teacher, Laura Williams, the Behaviour Lead, Natalie Prentice and the Pupil Welfare Officer, Claire Coker. The child protection policy is available to parents in the statutory policies section of the website.
How to contact a DSL
There is always a safeguarding lead available to raise concern. DSLs can be contacted in person via the main school office, by phone on 01727 519220 or by emailing safeguarding@mandeville.herts.sch.uk
If you feel that a child is at immediate risk of harm you can also always contact Hertfordshire Children's Services directly on 0300 123 4043.
Mandeville Primary School is committed to the protection and safety of children and young people.