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Safeguarding

Keeping Children Safe

At The Park Schools Federation, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We maintain a child-centred approach, meaning that the needs, wishes and best interests of children are at the heart of every decision we make.

We are committed to creating a culture where every child feels safe, valued, listened to and supported. We work hard to ensure that children can learn, develop and thrive in an environment where they are protected from harm, both in school and online.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do and underpins every decision we make.

We work in line with Derbyshire's local safeguarding partnership arrangements and national safeguarding guidance. Part of our legal duty to safeguard our children, may also include us needing to consult specifically with, and take advice from, the Police or Children's Social Care, should the need arise.

By working closely together as a staff and with our partner agencies, we firmly believe that we will continue to offer a safe learning environment for all our children.

Please take the time to read our policies and do not hesitate to contact the school should you have any questions about the very serious issue.

If there are concerns about the conduct of the Head or DSLs, then these should be shared with the Chair of Governors. The staff ‘Whistleblowing Policy’ has been discussed and adopted, and all staff have access to this document.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means:

  • Protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation
  • Preventing harm to children's health and development
  • Providing help and support as soon as concerns emerge
  • Creating a safe environment where children can achieve their best outcomes
  • Working with families and external agencies to keep children safe

Our Commitment

To keep children safe, we:

  • Maintain robust safeguarding and child protection procedures
  • Ensure all staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates
  • Follow safer recruitment practices when employing staff and volunteers
  • Carry out all required pre-employment checks
  • Teach children how to stay safe, including online safety education
  • Work closely with parents, carers and external agencies
  • Encourage children to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

If you have any safeguarding concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of the designated safeguarding team via the main school office or email safeguarding@parkfed.co.uk 

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr N Shah

Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Miss A Sutcliffe and Mr G Powers

Full list of DSLs

Online Safety

Children increasingly learn, socialise and communicate online. We teach pupils how to stay safe online and help them understand potential risks, including cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misinformation, disinformation, artificial intelligence (AI) generated content and inappropriate contact from others.

We have filtering and monitoring systems in place and regularly review our online safety arrangements.

Click here for more information on Online Safety.

Early Help

We believe the best outcomes are achieved when support is provided early. If concerns arise about a child's wellbeing, attendance, behaviour, mental health or family circumstances, we will work with families and partner agencies to offer Early Help before difficulties escalate.

Sometimes families need additional support. Early Help services can provide practical advice and assistance before difficulties become more serious.

If you feel your family may benefit from support, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team. We will always aim to work in partnership with families to secure the best outcomes for children.

The Park Schools Federation's Early Help Offer

Child-on-Child Abuse

We recognise that children can abuse other children. This may include bullying, online abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment, sexual violence, initiation or hazing behaviours and harmful emotional behaviour. Such incidents are never dismissed as 'banter', 'growing up' or 'part of childhood' and will always be taken seriously.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

We understand that mental health difficulties can be both a safeguarding concern and an indicator that a child may need additional support. Staff are trained to identify concerns and work closely with families and external services to support children's emotional wellbeing.

Attendance and Safeguarding

Regular attendance is important for children's safety, wellbeing and achievement. We recognise that poor attendance can sometimes be a sign that a child may need additional support or be experiencing safeguarding concerns. We work closely with families to identify and address barriers to attendance at the earliest opportunity.

Children's Voice

We encourage all children to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else. Every concern is taken seriously, and children will always be listened to and supported.

Worried About a Child?

If you are concerned that a child may be at risk of harm, please contact the school immediately.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Derbyshire Children's Services

Starting Point Telephone: 01629 533190

Out of Hours Social Care

Call Derbyshire Telephone: 01629 533190

Childline

Telephone: 0800 1111

Derbyshire Police

Emergency: 999
Non-Emergency: 101

Prevent

Take advice from your schools Safeguarding Lead

If further advice is required, contact Derbyshire County Council's Prevent Lead 01629 538473 or call the police prevent team on 0300 122 8694.

For general advice you can also email prevent@derbyshire.gov.uk

 

The specific safeguarding policies are below: