Safeguarding

Greenfield Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of our children and young people.  We expect all staff, governors, parents and carers, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.

Mrs C Tranter Deputy Headteacher Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mrs P Thompson Pastoral and Attendance Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Ms D Ellson Deputy Headteacher Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Miss Meakin Assistant Headteacher Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead                        (DDSL)

To contact one of our Safeguarding Team, please call 01922 682234

If you

• Have got a serious concern about the safety of a child or young person;
• Think a child or young person is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed; or
• Worried that a child is living in circumstances where they are treated badly and not cared for properly….contact

Walsall Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub

The Quest, 2nd floor 139-143 Lichfield Street Walsall 
WS1 1SE

• Opening Hours
  Monday - Thursday 08.45 - 17.15, Friday 08.45 - 16.45
• tel:0300 555 2866 option 2
  mobile: Out of Hours Emergency Response Team: 0845 111 2922
  website: www.walsall.gov.uk 
• If you have a concern about a child or young's person safety or well being, then you MUST contact MASH. They will investigate the concerns. MASH will provide consultation, advice and support and will make a decision regarding the most appropriate course of action.

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, this MUST be reported to the police on 999

 

The following list should be used as advice in the event that a child discloses information relating to abuse that they may be suffering:

• Stay calm and listen carefully to what is said.
• Do not promise to keep secrets - take an early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others.
• Allow the child to continue at their own pace.
• Only ask questions for clarification purposes – at all times try to avoid closed questions that suggest yes/no answers.
• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling you.
• Tell the child what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared.
• Record in writing (on a pink referral form) what was said using the child’s own words as soon as possible and given to the DSL/DDSL within ONE HOUR. Note the date/time and any names mentioned. Ensure the record is dated and signed by you.

General Advice for visitors

Adults visiting or working on/within our school site, play an important part in the life of the school.  Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard and keep our pupils safe by observing the following guidelines:

• All visitors must sign in at Reception on arrival.
• Visitors will be issued with a badge that must be worn and visible at all times.
• Visitors are asked to read this leaflet on arrival.
• Mobile phones need to be handed in at reception.
• Photographs are not to be taken unless by prior agreement.
• Be a good role model to our pupils by being respectful, fair and considerate. Remember children may interpret words/actions differently.
• Report to staff any unacceptable behaviour.
• When working with pupil(s), ensure that you are visible to others.
• All visitors must sign out at reception.

 

If you feel that a child may be at risk of harm but are not sure, then inform one of the safeguarding team immediately. They will offer advice and take appropriate action. Child abuse can happen to any child regardless of gender, culture, religion, social background ability or disability.  A copy of the schools safeguarding policy is located in the school office, staffroom and on the school website.

 

All staff and visitors are expected to report any concerns that they have and not see these as insignificant.  On occasion, a referral is justified by a single incident such as an injury or a disclosure of abuse.  More often, however, concerns accumulate over a period of time and are evidenced by building up a picture of harm over time; this is particularly true in cases of emotional abuse and neglect.  In these circumstances it is crucial that staff record and pass on concerns in accordance with school policy which incorporates the guidelines issued in KCSIE 2023, to enable the DSL/DDSL to build a picture and access support for the child as early as possible.

Child Protection Concerns

If you think the matter is very serious and may be related to a child protection concern, where the child has been harmed or is at risk of harm e.g. physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect, you must fill in a pink referral form (see attached) and hand directly to the DSL or DDSL immediately (or a maximum of one hour from the concern). 

 Types of Harm

Harm is identified in four ways:

Physical: When a child is deliberately hurt or injured.

Sexual: When a child is influenced or forced to take part in a sexual activity. This can also be an activity such as being made to look at inappropriate images.

Emotional: When a child is made to feel frightened, worthless or unloved. It can be by shouting, using threats or making fun of someone. It can also be when children see their parents, or visitors to the home fighting or using violence.

Neglect: When a child is not being taken care of by their parents/guardians. It can be poor hygiene, poor diet, not keeping appointments for additional support, not coming to school and being left home alone.

 

Remember…if in doubt…ask

Please do not leave our school without telling someone or doing something!