Safeguarding
Click on the link below for full size version of the Ormiston Meadows Academy Safeguarding Overview
Child Protection and Safeguarding Statement
Staff and Governors at Ormiston Meadows Academy are aware that many children are the victims of different kinds of abuse and that they can be subjected to social factors that have an adverse impact upon their lives – including domestic violence, substance misuse, bullying, mental health and radicalisation. We also acknowledge that safeguarding incidents could happen anywhere and staff should be alert to possible concerns arising.
Through our curriculum we teach children to stay safe and happy. We encourage the understanding that any problem or worry that they may have is legitimate, and to share their worries, big or small with their trusted adult; at home; school or with ChildLine.
| Lead Officer for Safeguarding and Child Protection | Jean Watt (Principal) |
| Deputy Lead Officer for Safeguarding and Child Protection | Naomi James (SENCo) |
| Governor for Safeguarding and Child Protection | Eric Winstone (Governor) |
| Inclusion Leader | Naomi James (SENCo) |
| Designated Lead for Looked After Children | Naomi James (SENCo) |
| E-Safety Officer | Kelly Moore ( Vice Principal) |
Ofsted
‘The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Processes and procedures are compliant with current legislation. Leaders ensure that recruitment procedures are rigorous. Staff receive additional training at the beginning of each academic year together with regular updates. Leaders are diligent in providing risk assessments to meet the medical needs of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Child protection policies are thorough and reviewed regularly.’
‘Pupils told inspectors that they feel safe at school. Adults teach pupils strategies for keeping themselves and their peers safe through assemblies and in lessons. Older pupils explained to inspectors how the school leaders had taught them how to use mobile phones safely and positively with their peers. Pupils know who to speak to if they are concerned and are confident that adults at school would listen and help.’
Our core safeguarding principles are:
- safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; all staff, governors and volunteers should play their full part in keeping children safe; and
- a child-centred approach; a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.
Child protection statement
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
The procedures contained in the academy’s Safeguarding policy apply to all staff and governors and are consistent with those of the local safeguarding children board (LSCB).
We will follow the procedures set out by the Area Child Protection Committee or Local Safeguarding Children Board and take account of guidance issued by the DfE by:
- Ensuring that we have a designated senior member of staff with responsibility for Child Protection who has received appropriate training and support for this role.
- Ensuring that we have a nominated governor responsible for Child Protection.
- Ensuring that every member of staff (including temporary and supply staff and volunteers) and governing body knows the name of the designated senior person responsible for Child Protection and their role.
- Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated Child Protection Co-ordinator/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Ensuring parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the school and staff for Child Protection by setting out its obligations in the Parent Handbook issued to all parents.
- Notifying Children and Family Services if there is an unexplained absence of more than two days of a pupil who is on a Child Protection Plan.
- Developing effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding Child Protection matters including attendance at case conferences.
- Keeping written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately.
- Ensuring all records are kept secure and separate from the main pupil file.
- Following procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer.
- Ensuring safe recruitment practices are always followed and that adults working with children have an up to date DBS check.
PREVENT
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. Many of the things we do in school to help pupils become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
Find out more by clicking on the link below:
Ormiston Meadows Academy Prevent Strategy Leaflet
Anti-Bullying
Keeping safe from bullying is an integral part of our PSHE curriculum. Through our Values-based curriculum pupils learn how to behave towards each other promoting the British values of tolerance and mutual respect.
In our recent Ofsted Parent View survey 97% of parents agreed that their child feels safe at the academy and that ,when it occurs, bullying is dealt with effectively.
Children are able to distinguish between ad hoc name calling and persistent bullying as a result of our teaching and approach to bullying.
Resources
Peterborough Safeguarding Board- safeguarding awareness month
How can you safeguard children from sexting?
Working together to safeguard children
OMA Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy – February 2017