Everyone’s Responsibility
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
At West Hill Primary school the staff and governors are committed to their statutory duty and responsibility to safeguard all pupils.
We provide a safe, secure, positive environment. We make sure that all pupils have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and to be protected from harm. This commitment is illustrated by our school vision.
West Hill follows the Unicef charter for being a Rights Respecting school. We place children’s rights at the centre of policy and procedures. Please see the United Nations Charter for the Rights of the Child here. The school offers teaching and learning opportunities to explore British Values such as: The Rule of Law, Democracy, Individual Liberty and the Mutual Respect and Tolerance of others’ faith and beliefs and of those without faith. These are referenced in assemblies, special events and subject areas across the curriculum.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility
| Safeguarding Team | |
|---|---|
| Name | Job title/responsibilities |
| Richard Milsom | Designated Safeguarding Lead |
| Debra Squire | Designated Safeguarding Deputy & LAC (Looked After Children) |
| Jane Atkin | Designated Safeguarding Deputy & LAC (Looked After Children) |
| Tamazin Steele | Nominated governor for safeguarding and child protection |
Or Email
There is a statutory duty and responsibility placed upon schools to ensure that procedures are followed for the care of pupils. This duty involves ‘working together’ with other agencies and services both nationally and locally. This duty is identified and explained in the following documents (click on the logo or text to open each document in a new window).
Working together to safeguard Children
A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (July 2018)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2023 update)
Statutory guidance for schools and colleges (September 2023)
Wandsworth’s Children’s Safeguarding Board
Local Guidance
At the beginning of each academic year staff are updated on any relevant changes to working together and keeping children safe in education- part one of the document ‘Keeping Children Safe’ is read by all staff and signed as understood.
There are other relevant school polices which contribute to the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
These include: Anti-Bullying Policy, Behaviour Policy, Staff Code of Conduct and the Online Safety Policy.
Our safeguarding policy is set out in our Child Protection policy
September 2023 – On INSET day staff were updated by the Head teacher on the changes to the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 document and were reminded of the key duties and that it is everyone’s responsibility for action to be taken in relation to safeguarding duties. A ‘it could happen here’ approach is paramount.
All staff receive introductory and refresher safeguarding training every year. This is in line with national and local safeguarding expectations. Refresher traning for all staff was completed in January 2023 during an INSET day and was delivered by the Local Authority.
New staff appointed during the year complete the online introduction to safeguarding training provided by Wandsworth Borough. This is a certificated training. Training on specific safeguarding is also provided by out of Borough certified agencies.
Staff also receive safeguarding updates across the year and are provided with necessary training opportunities as required by local and national guidance.
Visitors, volunteers and external service contractors are provided with guidance and instructions for safeguarding pupils at West Hill.
Designated members of staff for safeguarding attend regular enhanced training to enable them to carry out their roles effectively, annually as appropriate. The leads also receive half-termly group supervision to support them in their role and to share and learn from case work experience.
At West Hill we ensure that safer recruitment remains a priority under our safeguarding arrangements. Key leadership staff and governors have been trained in safer recruitment and all adults who work with children must have Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
Where a cause for concern arises for a pupil the school will consult with and share concerns with parents and work together as appropriate. However, in line with the school’s safeguarding duty there maybe occasion for direct consultation and referral to either Children Services or the police.
‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018’ states:
‘Providing early help is more effective in promoting the welfare of children than reacting later’
Early Help relies upon local agencies to work together to:
At West Hill, Early Help is supported by:
The Early Help Assessment (EHA) based upon the signs of safety process implemented by Wandsworth Early Help Team.
What Happens:-
For a printable copy of our Safeguarding Statement please click on the link below:
Please click logo or above for other important links:
The NSPCC have a very good website providing you with guidance about how to keep your children safe. You can access it by clicking logo or below.
They also give advice about how to inform your child about how they can keep themselves safe.
