SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Date of last review: Date of next review: Type of policy:

January 2012 January 2014 Network

Review period: Owner: LGB or Board approval:

2 years COO Board

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Safeguarding Policy

Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................. 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. CHILD PROTECTION ................................................................................................................................. 4 SAFE RECRUITMENT ................................................................................................................................. 8 BULLYING .................................................................................................................................................... 8 INTERNET SAFETY .................................................................................................................................... 9 HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND VICTIMISATION................................................................ 13 USE OF PHYSICAL INTERVENTION ..................................................................................................... 13 COMPLAINTS/ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST STAFF.................................................................... 14 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................ 17 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 19

Named personnel with designated responsibility for Safeguarding Academic year Designated Senior person Deputy Designated Senior person Nominated Governor Chair of Governors Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Penny Webb 2013/2014

Karen Thurston

Diana Gerald

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INTRODUCTION This safeguarding policy is consistent with the Child Protection Procedures outlined in the following publications: DfES Safeguarding children and safe recruitment in education, published in 2006, and effective 1 Jan 2007, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2006), What to do if you are worried a child is being abused (2006) `Dealing with Allegations of Abuse against Teachers and Other StaffGuidance for Local Authorities, Head Teachers, Academy Staff, Governing Bodies and Proprietors of Independent Academies(2011) . It reflects the current advice of the DfE and of the local Safeguarding Children Board. This policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in or on behalf of the academy. The academy, its staff and governors, are committed to safeguarding the welfare of our pupils and to providing a safe environment with robust systems to ensure the safety and healthy development of all our pupils, within the academy and on related Academy trips and other activities. Everyone working in or for the academy shares the objective of helping to keep children and young people safe by contributing to: ensuring that the academy provides a safe environment in which children and young people can learn and develop, and identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer abuse and taking appropriate action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and in Academy.

We recognise that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse. We are committed to doing our best to identify such children and to working with the appropriate authorities to support and safeguard them. We are committed to providing all our pupils with a safe learning environment, free of bullying and other forms of harassment, and to teaching pupils to act safely in and outside Academy and on the internet. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order to support all our pupils.

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1. CHILD PROTECTION All staff have a professional duty to take action on suspicions of abuse, or reported allegations of abuse, following the procedures set out below. Staff should be aware that abuse can take many forms and guidance is set out below on the possible warning signs, appropriate procedures and the definition of abuse used by the academy, informed by the current guidance from the DfE and the local Safeguarding Childrens Board. This section comprises the following information: 1. Aims of the policy 2. Identifying children who are suffering or likely to suffer abuse 3. Procedures to ensure that children are safe at the Academy and at home Immediate reporting requirements Responding to disclosure Action by Designated Senior Person Action following a Child Protection referral Recording and monitoring Supporting the child and partnership with parents

1. AIMS OF THE POLICY 1. To support the childs or young persons development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence; 2. To raise the awareness of staff of the need to safeguard pupils and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse; 3. To provide a systematic means to monitor pupils known or thought to be at risk of harm; 4. To emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff; 5. To develop a structured procedure that will be followed by all staff in cases of suspected abuse; 6. To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the Police and the relevant Social Care team; and 7. To ensure that all staff, governors and volunteers at the academy who have access to pupils, have current CRB checks, their identity verified by original documentation and that references are checked in line with safe recruitment policies.

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2. IDENTIFYING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MAY BE SUFFERING ABUSE Definitions The Children Acts 1989 and 2004 define a child as anyone who has not yet reached his/her 18th birthday. The academy uses the definition of abuse as described in The Children Act 1989 under the term Significant Harm. This definition is wide-ranging and covers a number of areas as outlined below: Harm is ill-treatment or impairment of health and development, including, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another; Development means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development; Health includes physical and mental health; Ill-treatment includes sexual abuse and other forms of ill-treatment which are not physical, such as neglect, emotional abuse of bullying. Abuse and Neglect are forms of maltreatment. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting; by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children. Abuse takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. Teachers and other adults in Academy are well placed to observe any physical, emotional or behavioural signs which indicate that a child may be suffering significant harm. The relationships between staff, pupils, parents and the public which foster respect, confidence and trust can lead to disclosures of abuse, and/or Academy staff being alerted to concerns. Signs of possible abuse The following list is not prescriptive and many signs listed will not necessarily indicate abuse. They can only act as a guide: Unexplained injuries, bruising etc, Absences from Academy that do not have a reasonable explanation or exhibit a suspicious pattern, Significant change of behaviour, Watchful cautious response to adults, Inability to be spontaneous, Aggressive or abusive, Bullying other children or being bullied, Underachieving, unable to concentrate, Avoiding the removal of clothing in PE, etc. Truanting, lying or stealing, Inability to trust others and make friends.

Potential indicators of sexual abuse: Loss of self esteem, Significant lack of self-care i.e. dirty clothing, Inappropriate use of sexual talk or sexualised behaviour, Wetting/soiling,

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 Fearful of physical contact, Eating disorders, substance/drug use, cutting, etc. 3. PROCEDURES All staff follow the Child Protection Procedures which are consistent with Working Together to Safeguard Children and What to do if you are worried a child is being abused. It is not the responsibility of academy staff to investigate welfare concerns or determine the truth of any disclosure or allegation. All staff have a duty, however, to recognise concerns and maintain an open mind. Accordingly all concerns regarding the welfare of pupils will be recorded and discussed with the designated senior person with responsibility for child protection prior to discussion with parents. Issues that require immediate reporting by staff any suspicion that a child is injured, marked, or bruised in a way which is not readily attributable to the normal knocks or scrapes received in play, any explanation given which appears inconsistent or suspicious, any behaviours which give rise to suspicions that a child may have suffered harm (e.g. worrying drawings or play), any concerns that a child may be suffering from inadequate care, ill treatment, or emotional maltreatment, any concerns that a child is presenting signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect, any significant changes in a childs presentation, including non-attendance, any hint or disclosure of abuse from any person, any concerns regarding person(s) who may pose a risk to children (e.g. living in a household with children present).

Responding to disclosure Disclosures or information may be received from pupils, parents or others. The academy recognises that those who disclose such information may do so with difficulty, having chosen carefully to whom they will speak. Accordingly all staff will handle disclosures with sensitivity. Such information cannot remain confidential and staff will immediately communicate what they have been told to the designated senior person and make a written record. Action by the Designated Senior Person Following any information raising concern, the senior designated person will consider: any urgent medical needs of the child, discussing the matter with other agencies involved with the family, consulting with appropriate persons e.g. Local Area Safeguarding Officer (LADO), the childs wishes.

Then decide, in accordance with the procedures or advice of the local safeguarding childrens board/LADO:
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where possible to talk to parents, unless to do so may place a child at risk of significant harm, impede any police investigation and/or place the member of staff or others at risk; whether to make a child protection referral to childrens social care because a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm and if this needs to be undertaken immediately;

OR:

not to make a referral at this stage; if further monitoring is necessary; or if it would be appropriate to undertake an assessment and/or make a referral for other services.

All information and actions taken, including the reasons for any decisions made, will be fully documented. Any referrals to childrens social care will be accompanied by a standard referral form. Action following a child protection referral The Designated Senior Person will: make regular contact with the social worker involved to stay informed; wherever possible, attend strategy discussion meetings; provide a report for, attend and contribute to any subsequent Child Protection Conference; if the child or children are placed on the Child Protection Register, contribute to the Child Protection Plan and attend Core Group Meetings and Review Child Protection Conferences; where a child on the child protection register moves from the Academy or goes missing, immediately inform the key worker in the social care department.

Recording and monitoring Accurate records will be made as soon as practicable and will clearly distinguish between observation, fact, opinion and hypothesis. All records will be signed and dated. All Child Protection documents will be retained in a Child Protection file, separate from the childs main file. This will be locked away and only accessible to the headteacher /Senior Designated Person. Supporting the child and partnership with parents The academy recognises that the childs welfare is paramount and that good child protection practice and outcome rely on a positive, open and honest working partnership with parents. While, on occasion, we may need to make referrals without consultation with parents, we will make every effort to maintain a positive working relationship with them whilst fulfilling our duties to protect any child, acting with the advice of the local childrens safeguarding board as appropriate. We will provide a secure, caring, supportive and protective relationship for the child. Children will be given a proper explanation (appropriate to age & understanding) of what action is being taken on their behalf and why. We will endeavour always to preserve the privacy, dignity and right to confidentiality of the child and parents. The Designated Senior Person will determine which members of staff need to know personal information and what they need to know to support and protect the child.

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2. SAFE RECRUITMENT The Academy fully observes current DfE guidance Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education (DCSF 2006, in force since Jan 2007). We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the Academy who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult including volunteers and staff employed by contractors. Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional references, checking previous employment history and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job. It also includes undertaking interviews and, where appropriate, undertaking List 99 and Criminal Records Bureau checks. In line with statutory changes, underpinned by regulations, the following apply: A CRB Enhanced Disclosure is obtained for all new appointments to the academys workforce through staffing, personnel and payroll. The academy keeps an up to date Single Central Record detailing the checks carried out on its staff. All new appointments to the academy workforce who have lived outside the UK will be subject to additional checks as appropriate. The academy checks that all agencies or third party organisations that send staff or volunteers to the academy have systems that ensure that the same standards are applied to regularly visiting non staff as apply for the academy staff. The academy ensures that supply staff have undergone the necessary checks and will be made aware of this policy. Identity checks must be carried out on all appointees to the academy before the appointment is confirmed.

3. BULLYING Pupils, staff and visitors to the Academy must be treated with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times. Physical or other forms of bullying, including cyber bullying, are not tolerated in or outside the academy and are dealt with in the academys codes of conduct. To prevent instances of bullying the academy will: seek to identify bullies, address the needs of individual children, both bullies and victims, provide a consistent response to bullies and their victims, implement a system to deal with different degrees of bullying, secure clear agreement among all the adults involved on the steps forward, provide time during the academy's in-service training programme to discuss issues associated with childrens physical, social and educational well-being, and disseminate the academys anti-bullying policies and procedures throughout the Academy.

New pupils are at particular risk of bullying. New pupils should be introduced properly to Academy life and routines. Teachers should consider the needs of new pupils in the following areas:
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Introductions and welcomes Playtimes Codes of conduct Tour of the Academy Toilets Trays/meal times

How the Academy aims inform the policy The whole-Academy behaviour policy is based on the Academy aims as follows: To create a positive learning environment which promotes the development of children in the fullest sense and their learning and success in the Academy; To empower children, by encouraging them to develop: - enthusiastic, enquiring minds, - the ability to question and present rational arguments, - independent, positive and engaged approaches to working. To help children realise their full potential through the highest quality of learning, teaching and experiences across the whole-the curriculum (intellectual, social, physical, ethical and spiritual); To prepare children for the future, and the world of work. To help children make good use of recreational time. To help children become valued members of society;

Ethos:

The academy aims to treat people with dignity, fairness, respect, sensitivity, care, generosity, kindness, courtesy and friendliness. At the academy, we value the constructive and positive contribution that each individual brings to the Academy and each persons role in the Academy. The academy offers support, encouragement and enthusiasm. We have high expectations of childrens work and behaviour and through this teach motivation.

4. INTERNET SAFETY The academy aims to provide a learning environment with the highest opportunities for children to achieve their full potential. As part of this aim we see access to the internet as a powerful tool. We believe that access to the internet: Enriches the quality of curriculum provision and extend learning activities, Helps us raise childrens attainment, Supports teachers planning and resourcing of lessons, Enhances the Academys management and administration systems, Enhances staff development through access to educational materials, as well as the sharing of information and good curriculum practice between Academies, schools, support centres, the LA and DfE.

Inappropriate Material
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Unfortunately, along with the many useful educational sites on the internet, there are sites which contain inappropriate materials to which it would be unacceptable for children to gain access. To ensure that children access the internet within a safe environment, ARK Schools use the London Grid for Learning which filters lists of inappropriate sites to which access is barred when using the Academys lines. The academy will advise parents that pupils are provided with filtered and monitored access to the internet. However, they should also be aware that constantly and rapidly developing technologies mean that there is no absolute guarantee that a pupil cannot access materials that would be considered unsuitable. The chance of coming across such materials is highly unlikely, but it obviously increases in direct proportion to the amount of time and effort an individual puts into their search. If any staff member at the academy becomes aware that it is possible to access any offensive web pages, through Academy equipment, they are obliged to make a note of the address and report it to the academys ICT co-ordinator or Principal who will notify the IT Helpdesk who will take the appropriate action to block the site. Online activities which are encouraged include: Using the internet to investigate and research Academy subjects, cross-curricular themes or topics related to social and personal development. Investigating careers and further and higher education. Developing pupils competence in ICT skills and their general research skills.

Online activities which are not permitted include: Searching, viewing or retrieving materials that are not related to the aims of the curriculum or future careers; Copying, saving or redistributing copyright-protected material without approval; Subscribing to any services or ordering and goods or services, unless specifically approved by the Academy; Playing computer games or using other interactive chat sites unless specifically approved by the Academy; Publishing, sharing or distributing any personal information about a use (such as: home address; email address; phone number; etc); Downloading software; Any activity that violates a Academy rule. In addition, it is forbidden for any academy internet user to: o o o o o o o Retrieve, send, copy or display offensive messages or pictures, Use obscene or racist language, Harass, insult or attack others, Damage computers, computer systems or computer networks, Use another users password, Trespass in another users folders, work or files, Use the network for commercial purposes.

Guidance for staff

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The Academy will ensure that teachers have received adequate training on internet use before they supervise childrens use of the internet.

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Supervising and Monitoring Usage Teachers should guide pupils toward appropriate materials on the internet. This will avoid time wasting as well as going some way towards monitoring the sites accessed by pupils. Teachers should: Supervise pupils use of the internet, Supervise children at all times when accessing the internet, with all monitors clearly visible by the teacher, Train children in how to use the internet safely including the need to avoid disclosing personal details and the care needed on social networking sites, as appropriate to age and maturity, Give children clear objectives for internet use, Preview any web sites they intend to allow children access to, to ensure the sites do not contain inappropriate material and are suitable for the age and maturity of their pupils, Take prompt action if they or their pupils encounter inappropriate material on the internet, Inform the ICT co-ordinator/Principal of the site details as soon as possible. The ICT co-ordinator/ Principal will: Email: To prevent pupils receiving unwelcome email, the academy will consider the use of email systems linked to Fronter, the virtual learning environment for the academy, and designed especially for pupils. Incoming e-mail to children should be checked by a teacher wherever possible, before being read by children. Outgoing e-mail sent by children should be checked by a teacher before it is sent. The forwarding of chain letters is not allowed. Children must be taught not to send personal information (e.g. address and phone number) or arrange to meet someone, over the internet. Children should be taught to: Inform a teacher immediately if they encounter any material that they feel is offensive or they think may cause offence to others; Be aware that their files held on the system may be reviewed by the teacher at any time; Be aware that they will incur sanctions if they make irresponsible use of the internet; Only send polite e-mail messages to the addresses their teacher has specified and not include personal details (e.g. their address, age, telephone number or other identifying material). Make occasional checks on files to monitor compliance with the Academys Internet Access Policy; Discipline any children who make inappropriate use of the internet, in line with the academys behaviour policy.

The academy will:

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Inform parents that pupils are provided with supervised internet access as part of the Academys curriculum; Inform all parents of the Academys Rules for Responsible Internet Use which their children will be expected to abide by in order to ensure a safe environment; Answer parents queries and concerns about their childs use of the internet and our safeguards to protect them from unpleasant material.

5. HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND VICTIMISATION ARK has due regard to the need: to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and to promote equal treatment for all.

ARK and each of its academies will Welcome and provide for all its students and employees; Help all students and employees to achieve their full potential; Ensure that no student, employee or applicant receives less favourable treatment on grounds of sex (including marital status or gender reassignment), sexual orientation, age, disability, race (including nationality, ethnic or national origins or colour), religion or belief (except where an academys status as a church Academy permits any limitation, or where any other statutory exception applies); Ensure that all statutory obligations are met.

This section should be read in conjunction with the ARK Schools Human Resources Policies on Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work. Monitoring and review The principal is responsible for implementation of this policy, for the provision of monitoring and reporting information to ARK and for consultation within Academies. 6. USE OF PHYSICAL INTERVENTION Occasionally staff members are required to use restraint to protect children and young people from harming themselves, members of staff and/or property. Wherever possible, the use of force should be avoided. When restraint is necessary, it must be used in ways that maintain the safety and dignity of all concerned. In certain circumstances, therefore, a member of staff may use physical intervention or reasonable force, (that is, the minimum physical intervention necessary) to prevent a pupil from doing, or continuing to do, any of the following: committing a criminal offence, injuring themselves or others, damaging property.

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Physical Intervention may also be used to search a pupil without their consent when staff have reasonable grounds to suspect that the pupil is carrying a weapon. At least two staff are required to be present at the search. Physical intervention will never be used as a form of punishment. Reference: DCSF (2007) The use of force to control or http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=12187 restrain pupils, available at:

7. COMPLAINTS/ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE MADE AGAINST STAFF The detailed framework for managing cases of allegations of abuse against people who work with children is set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010). This guidance provides a summary of the steps that must be followed where it is alleged that a member of academy staff (including volunteers and those who work on a temporary or supply basis) has: behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child; possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or behaved towards a child in a way which poses a risk of harm if they work regularly or closely with children.

Any allegation of abuse must be dealt with quickly, fairly and consistently, giving protection to the child and at the same time supporting the person who is the subject of the allegation. When an allegation of abuse is made When a complaint is made against an employee there should be immediate consideration of whether a child or children is/are at risk of significant harm and in need of protection. Any employee who becomes aware of a possible allegation or concern of a child protection nature must take immediate steps to ensure the matter is reported to the Principal (or the academys Designated Senior Person with Responsibility for Child Protection or Deputy Designated Senior Person). In the event that the allegation involves the Principal then the matter must be reported to the Chief Operating Officer, ARK Schools. In all cases, the Principal must have an immediate preliminary consultation about the allegation or concern with ARK Schools HR. Where there is a child protection issue the Principal will then report the matter to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). The Principal and the LADO will consider the nature, content and context of the allegation and agree a course of action. If a decision of no further action is taken, all agreements and decisions need to be recorded and the individuals concerned informed. Should further action be necessary, the LADO will advise on further action in accordance with statutory obligations. This is not the beginning of an investigation, but part of the basic information gathering process. Advice will include who, if anyone, should be made aware that an allegation or concern has been raised.
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It is important for this consultation to take place to demonstrate that the academy has acted in an open and transparent manner in establishing if the allegation meets the threshold for referral. Confidentiality must be maintained throughout this stage in order that any subsequent investigation is not prejudiced and that the interests of all parties are protected. Serious allegations may require immediate intervention by the police and/or the local authoritys social care services. If a strategy discussion is needed, or police or local authoritys social care services need to be involved, those agencies will be consulted and action agreed. A strategy discussion is convened if significant harm to a child is suspected, taking account of the fact that staff are entitled to use reasonable force to control or restrain pupils in certain circumstances, including dealing with disruptive behaviour. If a strategy discussion is needed, this will be co-ordinated by the LADO. Where it is clear that an investigation is unnecessary, the options range from taking no further action to summary dismissal or a decision not to use the persons services in future. In straightforward cases the investigation is normally carried out by a senior member of staff, but some cases will require an independent investigator. Timescales All allegations must be investigated as a priority to avoid any delay. Where the allegation does not involve a possible criminal offence or formal disciplinary action, appropriate action should be taken normally within three working days. Suspension In some cases the possible risk of harm to a child or the seriousness of the case means that the person is suspended until the case is resolved. Suspension should not happen automatically and other alternatives such as redeployment or the presence of an assistant should be carefully considered. Where a strategy discussion or initial evaluation concludes that there should be local authority enquiries or an investigation by the police, the LADO should be asked for their views on suspension, but the final decision lies with the academy. Supporting those involved Employers have a duty of care to their employees. Individuals will be informed of concerns or allegations as soon as possible, and told what will happen next. They should be advised to contact their trade union representative for support. The employee must be kept informed of the progress of their case and current work related issues. Parents or carers of a child should be told about the allegation as soon as possible, after this is agreed with any other agencies involved. They must also be kept informed about the progress of the case, and told of the outcome where there is not a criminal prosecution. The local authority social care services or the police will consider what support the child or children involved may need. Confidentiality

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Confidentiality is extremely important while an allegation is being investigated. The academy will take advice from the LADO, police and local authority social care services and agree the following: Who needs to know and exactly what information can be shared; How to manage speculation, leaks and gossip; What, if any, information can be given out to reduce speculation; How to manage press interest.

Resignations Where a person resigns, or refuses to cooperate it is still important to follow up, conclude and record the result of the investigation where possible. Record keeping Details of allegations that are found to have been malicious are removed from personnel records. Otherwise a clear summary of the allegation, with details of how it was followed up and resolved, and a note of any action taken and decisions reached, is kept on a persons confidential personnel file and a copy provided to the person concerned. This record can then be used for any future reference or CRB disclosure and to prevent unnecessary reinvestigation. The record should be retained at least until normal retirement age or for a period of 10 years from the date of the allegation if longer. References Where an allegation is unsubstantiated, unfounded or malicious it should not be included in employer references, this includes any history of repeated concerns or allegations which have all been found to be unsubstantiated or malicious. Action following a Criminal Investigation or a Prosecution The police or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will inform the school and LADO straightaway on completion of an investigation or trial. The LADO will then discuss any further action with the Principal or the academys Designated Senior Person with Responsibility for Child Protection or Deputy Designated Senior Person. Action on conclusion of a case There is a legal requirement for employers to make a referral to the ISA where they think that an individual has harmed, or is likely to harm a child, including inappropriate sexual conduct. Referrals should be made as soon as possible after the resignation or removal of the staff member and within one month of ceasing to use the persons services. The ISA will consider barring the person from working in a regulated activity. The return to work of a person who has been suspended needs to be done carefully and support provided; options include a phased return, provision of a mentor and consideration of how best to handle contact with the child who made the allegation if they are still a pupil. Action in respect of Unfounded or Malicious Allegations:
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In this case the LADO will refer the matter to childrens social care to see whether the child concerned is in need of services, or may have been abused by someone else. The academy will consider whether to apply an appropriate sanction, which could include temporary or permanent exclusion (as well as potential referral to the police) against any pupil found to have made deliberate and malicious allegations.

8. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The ARK Schools Board retains statutory responsibility for ensuring that all legal responsibilities are discharged. Responsibility is delegated to the Designated Senior Person to act on their behalf and ensure that policies are also compliant with local authority guidance and locally agreed inter-agency procedures, and that processes for dealing with allegations of abuse against staff and volunteers comply with local authority guidance and locally agreed inter-agency procedures. The ARK Schools Board is responsible for ensuring compliance with DfE guidance and all legal responsibilities in relation to safe recruitment. Responsibility for ensuring that compliance is maintained is passed to the central HR team who provide policy guidelines to all ARK academies to ensure compliance. Responsibility to ensure that the academy complies with these set policies is delegated to the Designated Senior Person. Training on these responsibilities is provided by ARK. The Local Governing Body will require the Designated Senior Person to report on the measures they are taking to ensure compliance. Statutory responsibility does not pass to the Local Governing Body or any of its members; however the Local Governing Body performs a vital role in monitoring compliance and challenging the academy to ensure that best practice is followed.

The Local Governing Body will ensure that:

the Academy has a child protection policy and procedures in place that are consistent with DfE and local Safeguarding Board guidance and locally agreed inter-agency procedures, and the policy is made available to parents on request; The academy operates safe recruitment procedures and makes sure that all appropriate checks are carried out on staff and volunteers who work with children; the Academy has procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against staff and volunteers that comply with guidance from DfE and locally agreed inter-agency procedures; a senior member of the Academys leadership team (namely XXXXXX) is designated to take lead responsibility for child protection; a governor is nominated to be responsible for liaising with the XXX Academys Board, through the XXX Academys senior management team, in the event of allegations of abuse being made against the Principal or of the local governing body having any concerns as to the academys compliance with DfE or other guidance; where services or activities are provided on the Academy premises by another body, the body concerned has appropriate policies and procedures in place in regard to safeguarding children and child protection and liaises with the Academy on these matters where appropriate;

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that policies and procedures are reviewed annually.

The Designated Senior Person with Responsibility for Child Protection will ensure that:
the policies and procedures adopted by the Local Governing Body are fully implemented, understood and followed by all staff; the nominated governor with responsibility for child protection is made known to all staff; sufficient resources and time are allocated to enable the designated person and other staff to discharge their responsibilities; and all staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice in regard to children, and such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in a timely manner in accordance with agreed whistle blowing policies.

The Designated Senior Person with Responsibility for Child Protection will:
Referrals refer cases of suspected abuse or allegations to the relevant investigating agencies; act as a source of support , advice and expertise within the academy; inform the principal of any issues and ongoing investigations and ensure there is always cover for this role.

Training recognise how to identify signs of abuse and when it is appropriate to make a referral; ensure that all staff have access to and understand the Academys child protection policy; ensure that all staff have received training (with refresher courses at a minimum of once every three years); keep detailed accurate secure written records and/or concerns; obtain access to resources and attend any relevant or refresher training courses at least every two years.

Raising Awareness ensure that the child protection policy is updated and reviewed annually; ensure that parents are made aware of the child protection policy; where a child leaves the academy, ensure that the child protection file is copied for the new Academy as soon as possible and transferred to the new Academy separately from the main pupil file. If a child goes missing or leaves to be educated at home, then the child protection file should be copied and the copy forwarded to the Education Social Work Service.

Reporting The Designated Senior Person will report annually to the Local Governing Body on child protection issues in the academy.

All staff and volunteers will:

fully comply with the Academys policies and procedures;

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attend appropriate training; inform the designated senior person of any concerns.

9. OBLIGATION As part of current safeguarding legislation, the members of staff at Ark Tindal Primary Academy have a legal obligation to report safeguarding concerns about children and adults, to the appropriate authority, if such concerns are deemed serious. In some instances, parents and carers may not be informed that such a referral has been made. 10. REFERENCES Primary guidance is in DfES Safeguarding children and safe recruitment in education, published i n 2006, into force 1 Jan 2007 and Dfe (July 2011 `Dealing with Allegations of Abuse against Teachers and Other Staff- Guidance for Local Authorities, Head Teachers, Academy Staff, Governing Bodies and Proprietors of Independent Academys Further guidance in: HM Govt (2006) Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. HM Govt (2006) What to do if you're worried a child is being abused. Information specific to London: London Safeguarding Children Board, London Child Protection Procedures (3rd ed., 2007) and subsequent revisions (latest revision February 2010).

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