Keeping safe

Laycock Primary School recognises its legal duty to work with other agencies in protecting children from harm and responding to child abuse. Our safeguarding policy is based upon DFE statutory guidance contained within the latest update of the “Keeping Children safe in Education”.

The staff seeks to adopt an open and accepting attitude towards children as part of their responsibility for pastoral care.  Staff hope that parents and children will feel free to talk about any concerns and difficulties at home that may affect children’s learning. Children’s worries and fears will be taken seriously if they seek help from a member of staff. However, staff cannot guarantee confidentiality if concerns are such that referral must be made to the appropriate agencies in order to safeguard the child’s welfare. School staff does not, however, carry out investigations or make decisions following a child’s disclosure; this is a matter for the specialist agencies. The designated adult with an overview for all child protection matters in the school is the Head Teacher. Our Child & Parent Support worker & Deputy Head Teacher deal with child protection matters & liaise and report directly on a daily basis to the Head Teacher. All three members of staff are Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) trained. There is also a designated Governor for Child Protection.

Parents can feel confident that procedures are in place to ensure that all staff appointed are suitable to work with children.  This includes voluntary helpers and non-teaching staff. DBS enhanced checks are made on all appointed staff & volunteers. A copy of the Safeguarding / Child Protection Policies can be obtained from the school office, and are available on the school website.

Our school is part of Operation Encompass which is a national scheme that operates jointly between schools and police forces.

Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person has experienced domestic abuse.

As a school we have ensured that a member of our staff, known as a Key Adult, has been trained in the Operation Encompass procedures allowing us to then use the information that has been shared, in confidence, to support the child/ren in our care. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 identifies children who experience domestic abuse as victims of domestic abuse in their own right. 

We are keen to offer the best support possible to all our pupils and we believe this will be extremely beneficial for all those involved.