Safeguarding Policy
As well as educating the children in our care, the staff and governors of St Bede’s take the safeguarding and wellbeing of all its pupils seriously, and ensure systems are in place to support this.
The children are encouraged to speak to staff if they have anything that is upsetting them either at school, at home or elsewhere. The children are listened to in a sensitive and encouraging manner, and any emerging issues are dealt with appropriately.
The school ensures safer recruitment procedures are followed. Appropriate staff and governors have undergone Safer Recruitment Training. References are scrutinised so that relevant questions can be asked at all interviews and appointments are not made until any outstanding issues have been satisfied. People applying for jobs are made aware at the outset, that a fully enhanced police check will be undertaken before work can commence.
All of our staff and governors have been DBS checked and a record of this information is kept in school. We also ensure external bodies who have access to the school site have undertaken relevant checks with their staff.
We have a fully compliant Child Protection Policy which is reviewed annually. All staff receive Child Protection training regularly, and we have three Designated Safeguarding Officers in school who oversee any child protection issues. Governors also receive an overview of the child protection procedures and attend training with staff. We have a Designated Safeguarding Governor who meets regularly with the Senior Leadership Team, to ensure policies and processes are followed. Staff and governors have completed PREVENT and other training to help keep children safe.
All staff and volunteers undergo a robust induction programme, which explains what code of conduct is acceptable when working with children and young people; child protection information and who to contact if they have concerns and safety procedures of the school site. Induction is accompanied by direct supervision of all staff to ensure that codes are fully understood and followed as part of the contract.
The school can only be accessed by the main entrance once the pupils are in school at 08:55a.m. The external doors are all locked down and can only be opened from the inside. Visitors to school have to sign in/out of the building and wear a visitors badge at all times. Visitors are escorted to where they need to be/who they need to meet within school. Any strangers on site will be challenged accordingly.
We have robust site security with locked gates to the school site. Any visitor arriving at school must identify themselves to staff before being allowed on site.
Health and Safety audits are carried out on a regular basis to ensure the safety of the building. Action plans are put in place to address any emerging issues.
We conduct regular fire drills and have lockdown procedures in place which all staff and children are familiar with.
All staff are expected to be vigilant and report any concerns regarding adults in or around the school.
Online Safety
You can use your computer, mobile phone or tablet for lots of fun and educational activities. Keeping children safe and educating them to keep themselves safe is given upmost importance in school through our PSHCE, computing and E-Safety curriculums.
This section of our website will provide you with links to really useful advice on how to be careful when you use the internet and some great tips to keep safe. If you are worried about anything you see online or people are asking you questions about where you live or saying nasty things to you please speak to your parents or teacher or follow any of the links below for help and advice.#]
Parent Information
Parent Zone provide information to parents and carers about their children’s wellbeing and resilience, internet safety and a wide range of other topic matters like sex, relationship and body image.
Think U Know Website
I bet you probably like to use the computer for fun. The Think U Know website will help you go on the internet in a safe way and tell who to talk to if you are worried.
Internet Matters
At Internet Matters, parents and professionals can find the most comprehensive and credible resources, information and support to keep children safe online.
NSPCC
NSPCC provide support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.
Childline
‘Childline’, which is a place where people who are nice can help you.
They won’t tell anyone that you have called and it’s free. You can phone them on: 0800 1111.
Top Tips
- Always ask a grown up before you use the internet. They can help you find the best thing to do.
- Don’t tell strangers where you live, your phone number or where you go to school. Only your friends and family need to know that.
- Don’t send pictures to people you don’t know. You don’t want strangers looking at photos of you, your friends or your family.
- Tell a grown up if you feel scared or unhappy about anything.
KidSMART Website
Be Smart be cool – Be smart online.
What’s your favourite thing to do online. Visit the KidSMART website and learn more about the internet and being a SMART surfer. Learn the SMART Rules with Kara Winston and the SMART Crew. If anything goes wrong online or upsets you make sure you tell someone about it. Download a poster of the SMART Rules by clicking the link below.
Kid’s Smart Poster
Help and Advice
If you find something on the internet or someone has made you sad or scared you should tell your mum, dad or the person who looks after you at home or a teacher at school. If you would like to talk to someone else we have added some links below to the Advice Help and Report Centre website. You can contact people who are friendly and helpful by following the link for your age group.
- Safety Centre for 5 to 7 year olds
- Safety Centre for 8 to 10 year olds
- Safety Centre for 11 to 13 year olds
Water Safety
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) work tirelessly to educate people to enjoy water safely, to keep their families and friends safe and to know what to do in an emergency. Their website provides a range of resources about how to keep you and your family safe.
