Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy

At Pontllanfraith Primary school we value our children and their futures. With this in mind we have a Safeguarding Policy designed to keep our pupils as  safe as possible.  

SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION  FOR PARENTS  

As a parent we hope you will help us in our legal duties to protect all our pupils. As a school we have a duty to contact Social Services where we are concerned that a child may be at risk or suffering  harm. Sometimes we may need to speak to you about your child and your circumstances.  

Staff will: 

• Remember that the priority  is to protect the child;  

• Treat the matter seriously;  

• Listen but do not judge;  

• Believe the child 

• Tell the child that they have done the right thing in  talking to a safe adult;  

• Tell the child what will  happen next where possible   

• Inform the Headteacher of all concerns immediately  

Staff will not: 

• Contact the parents - this is the job of the Headteacher or social services;  

• Ask lots of questions if a child has told concerning information  

• Speak to anyone about whom allegations are made (including colleagues);  

• Promise to keep secrets

When school staff have concerns for a child, the Headteacher will usually discuss this with the parent, but in some circumstances this will not be possible or they make seek advice from Social Services first. All staff have a Duty to Report.

The Headteacher will not ask parents before making a referral to Social Services if: 

• The parent knew of the concerns and did not protect the child  

• The parent is the cause of concern 

• The parent would not be able to discuss the concern  

As a parent/carer you play a vital role in all that the school do, especially when it comes to  ensuring all our pupils are safeguarded and protected. 

As a  school we ask that you as parents:  

• Talk to staff about any concerns you have for your child

• Remember that the school  MUST share concerns about  your child  

• The school will NOT judge  you, but they may have to share difficult information  

• The school MUST prioritise  the safety and wellbeing of  pupils, they cannot keep secrets from other agencies  

When we need to discuss concerns with parents, nobody within our school will judge you, or accuse you, we simply need to discuss the facts and decide whether you may need  some extra help to give your child every opportunity they deserve.  

Safeguarding Leaflet for Parents

Operation Encompass

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

Operation Encompass aims to support children who are victims of domestic violence.

It is a very simple idea, but one that will help us to support and protect vulnerable children. When the Police attend an incident of domestic violence where one of our pupils is present, they will inform the school’s Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) at the start of the next school day. In Pontllanfraith, our DSP is our headteacher. She 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.

We know that when children do witness domestic abuse at home, this is a highly traumatic experience for them. By taking part in Operation Encompass, we can provide compassionate support to our pupils, in line with our school ethos. This builds on our existing commitment to child safeguarding.

You can read more about Operation Encompass at www.operationencompass.org.

Operation Encompass Poster