Higham Lane School
Safeguarding
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and parents to share this commitment.
SUMMARY OF CHILD PROTECTION INFORMATION FOR VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS
Child Protection Statement
Higham Lane School recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students. 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, radicalisation and/or extremism, and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
Higham Lane School have a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who will provide support to staff when carrying out their safeguarding duties and who will liaise closely with other services such as Children’s Social Care.
The Safeguarding Lead will listen to any concerns regarding a child and make a decision about the next stage. This could include a referral to social care, but it is important to note that any staff member can refer their concerns to Children’s Social Care directly.
If parents, children, staff, or members of the community have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must speak to one of the following members of staff as quickly as possible. Staff should also complete on CPOMS or use the green safeguarding form. These forms are available in the staff room.
Mrs V Domigan, Senior DSL
or Mrs L Whitfield, Deputy DSL
If none of these people are available please contact the Headteacher.
Contact numbers for Family Connect
If school is closed and you are worried about any child and think they may be a victim of neglect, abuse or cruelty, contact Family Connect on 01926 414144. Offices are open from: Monday to Thursday: 8.30am-5.30pm Friday: 8.30am – 5.00pm If it is outside of these times phone: Emergency Duty Team 01926 886922. WEBSITE www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childrens-social-care
When phoning, say that you have concerns about a child that you would like to discuss and you will be put through to the appropriate person. In an emergency contact the Police by ringing 999.
Our core safeguarding principles are:
- The School’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance.
- Children who are safe and feel safe are better equipped to learn.
- The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Representatives of the whole school community of students, parents, staff volunteers and governors will therefore be involved in policy development and review.
- If, at any point, there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child a referral will be made to Children’s Social Care immediately. Anybody can make a referral. If the child’s situation does not appear to be improving, any staff member with concerns should press for re-consideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the child at some stage.
- All staff members will maintain an attitude of ‘It could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare of a child, staff members should always act in the interests of the child.
If anything worries you or concerns you, report it straight away
Policy 28 - Child Protection and Safeguarding is contained in the `School Policies' section of this website, click on the link below to access it.
Other useful links to help safeguard children can also be found below.
Are you worried about the safety/welfare/wellbeing of a student? If so then please inform the school on our confidential safeguarding email HLSHelp@highamlaneschool.co.uk or use the anonymous reporting tool Whisper.
