Safeguarding at Mellers

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

At Mellers Primary School the governors and staff fully recognise the contribution the school makes to safeguarding children. We recognise that the safety and protection of all pupils is of paramount importance and that all staff, including volunteers, have a full and active part to play in providing early help protecting pupils from harm.

We believe that the school should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment which promotes all pupils’ social, physical, emotional and moral development. In delivering this ambition we will adhere to the principles set out in Nottingham’s Safeguarding Children Partnership Threshold of Need and Nottingham City Safeguarding Partners Policy, Procedures and Practice Guidance.

Reporting Concerns

All concerns should be recorded on My Concern by a staff member or brought directly to a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Any concern raised by a visitor or volunteer should be discussed with a member of the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

If a child is at risk of immediate harm, a referral should be made to City MASH or the police immediately. Anybody can make a referral.

All concerns will be triaged by a Designated Safeguarding Lead and they will decide the next steps.

If you are unhappy with an outcome of a concern and feel that the child is still unsafe, speak to another Designated Safeguarding Lead or call the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline 0800 028 0285.

Supporting Pupils

It is vital that our actions do not harm the pupil further or prejudice further enquiries. Here are some tips on supporting pupils:

Listen to the pupil. If you are shocked by what is being said, try not to show it
Accept what the pupils says
Stay calm; the pace should be dictated by the pupil without them being pressed for detail by asking leading questions. It is your role to listen, not investigate.
Use open questions such as ‘is there anything else you want to tell me?’
Acknowledge how hard is was for the child to tell you. Do not criticise the perpetrator as the child might have a relationship with them.
Do not promise confidentiality. Instead reassure the child and let them know who you will inform and why.