Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Introduction

This Safeguarding Statement has been developed in accordance with the principles established by

the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and related guidance, including:

– Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025)

– Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

– Guidance and procedures from the Cumberland Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP).

Because of our close day-to-day contact with children, education staff have a crucial role in promoting safety, reducing risks, and identifying welfare concerns and indicators of possible abuse and neglect at an early stage.

The Governing Body and staff of Ashfield Junior School take seriously our responsibility under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of our pupils, minimise risk, and work with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements are in place to identify, assess, and support children who are suffering harm.

Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding means:

– Providing help and support as soon as problems emerge.

– Protecting children from maltreatment, including online.

– Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development.

– Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care.

– Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Our Ethos

We provide an environment where children feel safe, secure, and respected; are encouraged to talk openly; and feel confident they will be listened to.

We:

– Maintain children’s wellbeing as our paramount concern.

– Include safeguarding and healthy relationships in the curriculum.

– Provide clear reporting routes and trusted adults.

– Promote openness, trust, and transparency.

– Work with parents to build understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

– Ensure all staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates.

– Practice safe recruitment and maintain a robust Single Central Record.

– Respond promptly to allegations or concerns about staff or pupils.

– Monitor vulnerable children, including those with SEND, carers, and looked-after children.

– Keep secure, confidential records and share appropriately with professionals.

Partnerships

We work closely with:

– Cumberland Safeguarding Children Partnership

– Local Authority services

– Police

– Health services

– Children’s Centres

– Education Social Care Service

Training

– DSL and Deputy DSL: updated training every 2 years.

– All staff: safeguarding and child protection training at induction and annually.

– Regular updates via staff meetings and bulletins.

– Prevent awareness training for DSL and relevant staff.

Safe Recruitment

We follow KCSIE 2025 and statutory safer recruitment guidance. At least one member of every recruitment panel has completed safer recruitment training.

Related Policies

– Child Protection Policy

– Online Safety Policy

– Behaviour Policy

– Attendance Policy

– SEND Policy

– Health and Safety Policy

– Recruitment and Vetting Policy

– Data Protection Policy

– Educational Visits Policy

Key Contacts

– Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Sandra Stainton