Safeguarding

LEADERSHIP

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Ms. Kim Cole.
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) are Mr. George Walker and Miss Catrin O'Callaghan.
The Acting Safeguarding Governor is Mr. Matthew Nash.
The Prevent SPOC is Ms. Kim Cole
The Operation Encompass SPOC is Ms. Kim Cole
The Safer Recruitment Lead & Single Central Record (SCR) Lead is Mrs. Samantha Sibley

SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

If you have any safeguarding concerns about a young person at our school, please contact Ms. Kim Cole (DSL), or Mr. George Walker and Ms. Catrin O'Callaghan (Deputy DSLs), on the main school telephone number (01525 372266) or via email safeguarding@gilbertinglefield.org.uk.
Alternatively, if the concern is of an urgent nature, please contact the Police on 101.

You will find information about the school’s safeguarding team on our poster.

Central Bedfordshire Council Integrated Front Door contact details are:

0300 300 8585 (Office hours)
0300 300 8123 (Out of hours)
Email: IFD@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Our safeguarding policy and procedures are reviewed annually.

TRAINING

All staff are required to read and understand Part 1 of the Department for Education’s statutory safeguarding guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and review this guidance at least annually. A paper copy of the guidance is available in the staff room and it is also available online.

All staff are required to read and understand the school's safeguarding and behaviour policies and the school's code of conduct. Paper copies of these documents are available in the staff room and via the CPOMS platform.

In person training on safeguarding is delivered to all staff on a rolling programme.

Staff are required to undertake annual online training on the Prevent Duty and FGM.

New staff are assessed and, if their basic safeguarding, Prevent and FGM training is not up to date, are required to undertake the above training as soon as practicable after starting work at the school.

Mrs. Sibley keeps a record of the staff training courses completed.

Designated Safeguarding Staff continue to update their training on a rolling programme.

Temporary staff receive details of the safeguarding arrangements. Volunteers are made aware of the arrangements.

SINGLE CENTRAL RECORD

Mrs. Sibley maintains the SCR. All staff are entered on the SCR and appropriate checks made. The school’s HR provider, EPM (Education Personnel Management), manages the DBS checks for the school. This is all done via an electronic portal. If any evidence of a criminal record arises, the school is advised and the Head teacher carries out a risk assessment at a meeting with the relevant member of staff. These risk assessments are filed on the personnel record of the staff member. A decision to employ the staff member would be made as a result of the risk assessment outcome. S128 Checks are also carried out to confirm that people have not been prohibited from the management of the school. This is noted on their DBS certificate.

SAFER RECRUITMENT

Mrs. Sibley and Miss O'Callaghan are trained in safer recruitment. A safeguarding statement is included in every job advert and specific questions are used at interview. A safer recruitment procedures checklist is followed. Appropriate checks are carried out to gain references and to check the barring lists.

MULTI AGENCY WORKING

Gilbert Inglefield Academy works closely with a wide range of other agencies; Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings are held to bring together professionals to offer support to families. The Hive hub provides access to external support groups and individual work e.g. counselling as well as offering support for issues such as bereavement and self - harm.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING

The school has policies and procedures in place to safeguard the welfare of all members of the community. Serious incidents are logged and analysed.

PROVIDING FIRST AID

P.E. teachers and a significant number of support staff are fully trained as Emergency Paediatric First Aiders and are trained to cope with conditions such as epilepsy and administration of emergency medication. We also have a dedicated medical room. All staff are also trained in the use of Epipen. There is a clear process for students who feel unwell and policies for how to deal with specific conditions. Risk assessments will be put in place if needed for long-term medical conditions. Care plans are completed by medical teams with parents support to ensure appropriate care. These are regularly reviewed.

DEALING WITH BULLYING

Behaviour policies, assemblies and tutor time all reinforce that bullying is not acceptable. Learners who are victims of bullying are supported by their form tutor, Key Stage Lead, and the Hive.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

All visits have to be authorised following a specific written procedure, based on Evolve. Parents and carers are invited to meetings to discuss arrangements for residential trips, both in the UK and abroad.. Contact arrangements are in place using school mobile phones.

INTERNET SAFETY

The topic is covered by the ICT team in all year groups. All staff, students and parents must sign an Acceptable Use of ICT policy.

SCHOOL SECURITY

The site is covered by static CCTV cameras. The reception entrance doors and the side doors in the administration block are card controlled. Practical classrooms within the school are card controlled for safety.

ROLE OF THE GOVERNING BODY

The designated governor liaises with the Designated Safeguarding Lead to monitor safeguarding issues.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH PARENTS

We work with parents and carers to offer appropriate support to ensure the welfare and safety of our learners. Form tutors are usually the first point of contact. Information is given on the school website regarding which staff member(s) to contact for specific information or with specific concerns. Information is given to parents and carers in handbooks, information evenings, newsletters and via the school website.