Child Protection and Safeguarding

Keeping children safe is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to thrive. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work together to promote the welfare of all pupils and protect them from harm.

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy provides the framework for how we safeguard children, respond to concerns and provide support as early as possible. This includes protecting children both in school and online, helping them to grow up in a safe environment and enabling them to achieve the best possible outcomes.

We take all safeguarding concerns seriously and act promptly whenever there is a concern about a child’s welfare. Our approach is underpinned by clear procedures, a culture of vigilance and a commitment to working in the best interests of every child.

All members of our staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand their statutory responsibilities. They are equipped to recognise the signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns, and know how to report these appropriately so that children receive the protection and support they need.

At Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre, we recognise that children can sometimes display behaviour that causes harm to other children. We take all incidents of child-on-child abuse seriously and never dismiss them as part of growing up, harmless teasing or banter.

We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive school where positive relationships are encouraged and all children feel safe, valued and listened to. We work proactively to prevent child-on-child abuse through our curriculum, our values and our everyday interactions with pupils.

When concerns are raised, we respond promptly and sensitively. Every situation is considered individually, and we follow our child protection and safeguarding procedures to ensure that all children involved are supported appropriately. This includes both the child who has experienced harm and the child whose behaviour has caused concern, recognising that both may need help and support.

Our approach is part of our wider commitment to safeguarding and is outlined in our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupils’ wellbeing, we take part in the NSPCC’s ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe.’ programme each year.

The programme is delivered in an age-appropriate and sensitive way, helping children to understand what abuse is, including bullying, and how to recognise situations that make them feel worried or unsafe. It also reinforces the important message that abuse is never a child’s fault.

Through the programme, pupils learn practical ways to keep themselves safe, understand the importance of speaking out, and identify trusted adults they can talk to if they are worried or need help. The sessions help children to develop confidence and resilience, while ensuring they know where to find support both in school and beyond.

Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre is proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that helps schools provide timely support to children who may have been affected by domestic abuse.

We understand that experiencing, witnessing or being exposed to domestic abuse can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour and ability to learn. Working in partnership with the police, we receive confidential notifications when they attend an incident of domestic abuse where one of our pupils may have been affected. This enables us to provide appropriate care and support as early as possible.

Our Operation Encompass Key Lead is A O’Donnell, our Operational Designated Safeguarding Lead. Mrs O’Donnell has received specialist training to manage this information sensitively and confidentially, ensuring that children and their families receive the support they need at the earliest opportunity.