Safeguarding

The welfare and safety of children who attend our school is our paramount concern. We promote the health, well-being and safety of the pupils in all we do. Our children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or disability. They have a right to be safe in our school.

As stipulated by the Children Act (1989), the Education Act (2002), the Protection of Children Act (2001) and Keeping Children Safe in Education, the staff at St Peter’s and Clifton CE VC Primary School have a duty to report any concerns that they may have that any child may be at risk from significant harm or may be suffering significant harm, particularly as a consequence of possible abuse.

All adults working with or on behalf of children have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. All staff at St Peter’s and Clifton CE VC Primary School undergo a thorough safer recruitment and vetting process.

We have a Safeguarding Team which consists of:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs L Williams (Deputy Head Teacher),  Mrs A Furzer (Pastoral & Safeguarding), Mrs L Weaver (Pastoral & Safeguarding), Mrs Shires, Miss Allatt
• Deputy Safeguarding Lead - Mrs K Barratt (FS Leader) 
• After-School Club Safeguarding Lead - Mrs D Rhodes (After-School Club Leader)
• Designated Governor for Safeguarding - Mr N Cudworth

What to do if you think a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect
Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. Members of the public, as well as staff in helping agencies, can play a vital role in helping to protect children from abuse or neglect. Whilst the child’s welfare is always the most important consideration, there is also a duty on professionals to work in partnership with parents, to provide support where necessary and to ensure that children remain with their families wherever possible. If any member of the public thinks a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect, they should contact the local Children’s Services (formerly known as Social Services) or the NSPCC National Helpline.

For children who live in Wakefield:

If your call is regarding a Child or Young Person who you are worried about, please call or email Social Care Direct. 03458503503 or Social_Care_Direct@wakefield.gov.uk

Alternatively, contact the NSPCC National Helpline Tel: (0808) 8005000

The COVID-19 pandemic

During the coronavirus outbreak, you may find some useful parent information and advice on supporting children on the NSPCC website here.

Keeping children safe on-line

It can be hard to know how to talk to your child about online safety. From setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps, the NSPCC can help you to understand the risks and keep your child safe. Click here for more information.

If a member of the public considers that there is an emergency situation 

always dial 999 for the Police

Speak Out, Stay Safe Programme

We have joined the speak out, stay safe programme with the NSPCC, to ensure all our children know who they can speak to if they have a problem. 

Night OWLS: new mental health service for children and young people 

A new overnight listening and advice service for children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis has launched. Night OWLS is a confidential support line for children and young people in crisis. Helping them and their parents and carers.

The service is available 8pm – 8am every day.

To access the service, call this number free 0300 2003900; text 07984 392700 or chat on www.wynightowls.org.uk.

School Safeguarding Policies

Please follow the link below if you would like to view more information on any of the following policies :-

• Safeguarding policy
• Keeping children safe in Education policies,
• Behaviour Policy,
• Anti-Bullying Policy,
• Health and Safety Policy.

Keeping Children Safe Online

The Internet use is a large part of the statutory curriculum and a necessary tool for staff and pupils. The Internet is an essential element, within the lives of children and adults, in 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. Our school has a duty to provide students with quality Internet access as an exciting part of their learning experience at school, at home and in the wider environment and to prepare them to make safe and effective use of the vast opportunities that are available. Please follow the link below to view our Online Safety Policy :-

Further School Safeguarding Information

Medicine administration – on a voluntary basis the school will, within resources available, endeavour to supervise pupils in the administration of medicines. This is conditional to parents requesting and completing a ‘Medicine administration form’.

Most staff are first aid trained with additional training on the use of epi-pens and inhalers. Staff are also trained for specific medical support on an individual basis as and when required.

School uniform – please remember, no flip flops, high heels or crocs; all long hair is tied back; only one pair of studs are permitted and these must be removed by the child for P.E.

School absence – school must be informed before 9.00am of a child’s absence from school. Please ring the dedicated absence line.Where we have received no notification of absence we may do a home visit.

Dedicated professionals – please be respectful of all staff and pupils. Treat others as you would like to be treated – it’s a team effort.

Site Safety

The school has clear boundary fences and gates that provide a safe space for the children to play and learn. At around 9:15am each morning, the school gates are locked. Pupils arriving after this time will need to enter the school by the Main Reception/Visitor Entrance where they will be registered and asked about lunch arrangements. Parents collecting pupils from school for appointments or due to ill health should also enter this way after securing permission from the Headteacher via the appropriate permission form. In this way, access to the classrooms and the playground is secure throughout the day.

Whilst the school encourages children to cycle and scooter to and from school, we ask that pupils wear protective helmets and that they dismount before entering school premises. Riding bikes or scooters on school ground is not permitted.

Dogs are not permitted on school grounds. We ask that they are left at home rather than tying them to a fence or lamp post as this can cause distress to both passing pupils and the dog.

Children are not permitted to climb on play equipment or use balls before or after school to reduce accidents and injuries due to the number of people in the vicinity. Please be respectful of school playtime equipment stored in Elderberry Lodge which is intended for use only during school playtimes. 

We are a ‘nut free school’ – a number of our children have severe allergies to nuts and so nuts are not permitted as snacks, as peanut butter or in biscuits/snack bars.

We have a no smoking policy and this applies to our building and playgrounds/fields.

All school trips are risk assessed and have to be authorised by the school Headteacher. Risk assessments are also carried out for sporting events and visits and visitors.

Internet Safety message

Education at home during the Coronavirus lockdown period. 

Parents and carers may choose to supplement our school’s educational offer with support from online companies and in some cases individual tutors. If you chose to do so we must emphasise the importance of securing online support from a reputable organisation/individual who can provide evidence that they are safe and can be trusted to have access to children. Support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online includes:

• Internet matters - for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online
• London Grid for Learning - for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online
• Net-aware - for support for parents and careers from the NSPCC
• Parent info - for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online
• Thinkuknow - for advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online
• UK Safer Internet Centre - advice for parents and carers.