Safeguarding Statement

At Butterwick C of E Primary School the health, safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment to safeguarding our pupils.

We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs of physical/emotional harm or neglect and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The procedures which we follow have been laid down by the Lincolnshire Safeguarding in Schools Team and the school has adopted a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in line with this, for the safety of all.

Information Sharing

On rare occasions our concern about a child may mean that we have to consult other agencies. We will ensure that all concerns are discussed with parent/carers first, before any referrals are made, unless we believe that such a move may be contrary to a child’s welfare.

Our Safeguarding Team

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Sam Towers (Head teacher). Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Miss Emma Taylor (Deputy Head teacher), and Mrs Emma Rolfe (SENDCo). The Governor with responsibility for safeguarding in our school in Mrs Helen Dower.

The Designated Person for Looked- After Children (LAC) is Miss Emma Taylor. The Looked- After Children’s Champion is Mrs Terri Clark.

The Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is available below and on the ‘Policy’ section of the school website.

Raising a concern

If you are concerned about the safety of a child, you can speak to one of the Designated Leads or you can contact the Lincolnshire Children’s Service Customer Service Centre on 01522 782111 (on weekends please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01522 782333).

If a child is in immediate danger, call the emergency services using 999.

Photographs and Videos

Whilst lots of parents and carers really enjoy seeing photos and videos of their children’s school life we are very mindful of our duty of care towards all our pupils. We take the issue of safeguarding very seriously and this includes the use of photographic and video images.

Any photographs or videos taken by parents, carers and relatives at school productions, sports days or other events are for the enjoyment of individual families. They must not be used in any way that could potentially place a child at risk. This would include publishing images in any form of print or on the internet including social networking sites. This is emphasised before concerts and shows etc and where practical a record of parents and relatives taking photographs or videos is made.

We understand that in exceptional circumstances a parent or carer may not wish their child to be photographed or videoed in this way. If this is the case then please contact the headteacher to discuss how this can be best achieved.

Prevent Duty

The Prevent Duty aims to prevent young people from being radicalised by, for example, far right extremists or religious extremists.

In school we have a duty to care for the children and take note of any child who is at risk of radicalisation, regardless of their background. We also have to take steps to help prevent children being exposed to extremist ideas.  Our overriding concern is that children feel safe and also express tolerance towards all cultures and religions, even when personal views may be different.

If you require any further information please contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead via the school office.