Scissett CE Academy
Safeguarding in our Academy
Scissett CE Academy is an active school that has both child and staff physical and mental wellbeing at the forefront of its ethos.
We aim to develop respectful, resilient and aspirational learners who are happy and safe. Our broad and balanced curriculum excites learners and develops their understanding of the wider-world through knowledge, enrichment and fundamental life skills; a place where all succeed.
We believe that all children can achieve, no matter what their starting point or barrier.
Our academy vision underpins everything we do at Scissett CE Academy and Safeguarding is interwoven throughout all we do.
Our Key Safeguarding Policies
Health and Safety
The school has a health and safety policy, which is monitored each term by the relevant members of the school governing body.
We have regular H&S inspections and meetings to ensure we are compliant with all Health and Safety responsibilities. The Head Teacher, School Business Manager, Caretaker and Governors with responsibility for Health and Safety oversee this comprehensive list.
Any concerns from staff are reported to any of the above and an initial examination takes place immediately, assessing what remedial action needs to take place. Our children are also encouraged to be involved with the Health and safety in school and report any concerns they may have.
There is a fire drill at least once every term to practice efficient evacuation from the building. The school conducts an annual Fire Risk Assessment and receives regular visits from the Local Authority Fire Officers.
There is an Emergency plan that details what staff and parents should do in the case of emergencies.
In addition to the Health and Safety Policy there are policies and risk assessments in place regarding Food and Drink and Food and Hygiene. These determine safe practices in school and the Kitchen/ Dining Room.
First Aid
We have a number of trained members of staff, designated to oversee first aid and there are first aid kits in each classroom and teaching area. Lunchtime staff carry portable first aid kits.
First aid will be given and a phone call home will be made if necessary. In cases of head bumps, a wristband will be given to the child and a letter will be sent home offering advice.
Where there is a first aid incident which causes concern, staff deal with children with the upmost sensitivity and always seek guidance from a member of the school leadership team. Wherever necessary, parents will be contacted or asked to come into school immediately so that they are part of the decision making process regarding the next course of action to be taken.
In the case of an emergency, the school will call for emergency treatment first before contacting the parent.
Site Security
Scissett CE Academy is a secure site.
Visitors must always report to school via the main entrance, sign in at the school office and wear a visitor pass at all times.
We have clear routines and procedures in place to ensure our site remains safe. However, the people who use our site, alongside the whole school community have a responsibility to help us maintain security. Our children and parents are crucial to this process and we encourage you to report any concerns to the school office or safeguarding team.
We take great care to maintain a secure site around the perimeter of the school and all children are supervised at all times. In the unlikely event of a child leaving the school premises without permission, staff have been asked never to chase after a child, but rather to report immediately to the office. Then parents and police will be informed of the circumstances.
Attendance
Excellent attendance is expected of all children. However, in the event that a child is unwell parents are asked to report their absence by 9.15am using our main school number 01484 861488 or by email to the school office office@scissettceacademy.org .
Children arriving after 9am must be signed in by a parent/carer at the school office. Children leaving early must also be signed out at the school office
On occasions where a child’s attendance and punctuality cause concern, the Head Teacher will contact parents or carers to discuss the absence. Attendance rates are reported each term to the Multi Academy Trust, and Local Authority. Attendance is also reported annually to the government and to all parents
In exceptional circumstances, leave of absence may be requested in writing by submitting a letter to the head at least 30 days in advance, and explaining in detail what the exceptional circumstances are.
Appointment and induction of staff and work placements
All staff appointed to work in the academy have a criminal records search called a DBS check. This search highlights people who have a criminal record or if previous allegations have been made against them. If any member of staff is found to have a criminal record, the appointment is reconsidered by the academy with support and advice from the Multi Academy Trust.
Several members of the academy's staff and the governing body have received training on Safer Recruitment and all appointment panels where the candidates are external applicants will be attended by at least one appropriately trained member.
Newly appointed staff are assigned a mentor for their induction period. It is the responsibility of the mentors to familiarise new staff with procedures, policies and Scissett’s safeguarding practices, which affect the health and safety of all at school, especially the children.
Volunteers
All volunteers in school meet with a member of Senior Leadership team and have a short induction before starting to volunteer in our school.
All volunteers must have DBS clearance. Visitors who do not yet have clearance will under no circumstance be left alone with a child or group of children.
Welcoming Visitors
All visitors to school must be signed in at the main office and will be handed a visitor badge to wear whilst on site.
All visitors with a professional role - eg supply teachers, the School Nurse or members of the police, have their DBS status checked before being allowed into the school. Students who work within our school community also have their DBS clearance confirmed.
Any visitors eg: tradespeople, who spend time in school without this confirmation will be accompanied at all times.
Child Protection/Safeguarding
The designated adults for Child Protection/Safeguarding are Mr Cunningham, Mr Codling and the designated safeguarding governor is Miss Hamer
Our Child Safeguarding Policy can be found on our policies page
It is the Governing Body’s duty to ensure the policy is reviewed annually and any deficiencies within the policy addressed immediately. Certain governors and all staff have had appropriate child protection training, which is updated at least every three years.
Physical Intervention: This school follows advice that physical intervention may be used if there is the possibility that a child may be about to cause harm to him/ herself or to another. On no occasion will any form of physical contact be used as a punishment. We have members of staff trained in Team Teach
All allegations of abuse or complaints of a member of staff will be dealt with following clear procedures, initially by the Head Teacher. For any complaints about the Head Teacher the Chair of Governors should be contacted directly.
We work closely with the Kirklees Safeguarding Children Partnership (KSCP). You can link to their website from here to find lots of valuable information.
Kirklees Safeguarding Children Partnership also works with the following partners, further information can be found by following the links below.
The Design of the Curriculum
Safeguarding at Scissett CE Academy is interwoven throughout our curriculum and taught in a sensitive and appropriate to the age and stages of the children.
Further information can be found on our Safeguarding in the Curriculum page.
Online Safety
Children should be encouraged to use the internet, but in a safe way at all times.
Pupils must never be left unattended whilst online and teachers should ensure that this does not happen.
If any adult or child suspects misuse, either by a teacher or child, the issue must be reported to a member of the safeguarding team without delay.
All children are asked to sign an age appropriate acceptable use policy which details what they should and shouldn't be doing on the internet.
Use the link below to access useful fact sheets and links to useful websites.
Disability Equality Scheme and Equal Opportunities
At Scissett CE Academy we work to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
All children are given equal access to the school and its curriculum and all are considered equal in the learning partnership.
When children have special needs we make arrangements to inform parents and design specific programmes. We ensure that the outcomes for all groups of children allow them to reach their full potential.
Children with physical needs and disabilities must be able to take a full and active part in every lesson and activity, and every measure is taken to ensure this.
Click for information on Safeguarding SEN children
Behaviour
Good behaviour is essential in any community and we have high expectations for this.
Our positive behaviour policy shows our strong emphasis on positive approaches, but also our clear boundaries in responding to behaviour choices that threaten the learning, wellbeing or safety of others.
Anti-Bullying
Our definition of bullying is: one or more people repeatedly behaving in an intimidating or aggressive way, with the intention of causing emotional or physical harm to another person.
We do not tolerate bullying in our school community, and as soon as we are aware of an issue we act promptly and effectively.
Adults must be informed immediately and action will be taken.
Our children know that we pride ourselves on being a 'telling school'. If any child tells us that they feel they are being bullied, they know that we will support them and deal with the problem very quickly. Although bullying in this school is rare the school always acts swiftly with a process of investigation, communication and action. Bullies will not be tolerated.
Photographing and Filming Consent
When children start at Scissett CE Academy parents are asked to complete a photo / social media consent form which is kept centrally. Parents/Carers can change their preferences at any time by contacting the office.
Scissett CE Academy uses images of children, around school, in newsletters, on our website and in press releases, where parental consent has been granted.
Whistleblowing
If members of staff ever have any concerns about people working within the school, paid or unpaid, they have a professional duty to inform the Head Teacher or Governing body accordingly.
This can be done in writing or verbally but staff should be prepared to discuss issues in the confidence that any such matter will be dealt with sensitively and with the highest appropriate level of confidentiality.
Useful Links