Safeguarding
Under the Education Act 2002 (Section 175/157), schools must “make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children”.
We provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. The school will therefore be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and will follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures to ensure that children receive appropriate and effective support and protection.
Parents/carers should know that the law requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer, and where possible inform them of the referral to Children’s Services. This will only be done where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm.
In accordance with local Information Sharing protocols, we will ensure that information is shared securely and sensitively. Information will only be shared with other services where it is deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure that children and young people are safe and receive the right service.
Schools will seek advice from Children’s Services when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded. Parents/carers will appreciate that the member of staff in the school with responsibility for child protection (known as the Designated Person for Child Protection) was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children.
At Parkside Community Primary School, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our all our pupils. If you are concerned about a child, please contact:
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr Charles Soyka (Head Teacher) and Mrs Jacqui Mattholie (Parental Engagement Officer)
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Jacqui Mattholie
Designated Safeguarding Leads: Mr Liam Wanless and Mrs Melanie Weinstein
Safeguarding Governors: Mr Sam Neagus
Children’s Services 0300 123 4043
For a copy of our Child Protection Policy please see our Policies page.
‘Difficult conversations’ advice can be found here
