Safeguarding & child protection

Our commitments

• Every child has the right to feel safe and to be protected from harm.
• We listen to children, take what they say seriously, and act on it.
• We work openly with parents and with external services when a child may be at risk.
• We keep accurate, dated, confidential records of any safeguarding concern.
• We review this policy at least once a year, and immediately after any serious incident or change in good practice.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The school's Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Deputy Head. The DSL is trained to the standard expected at a UK primary school and is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern about a child. In the absence of the DSL, the Head Teacher acts as deputy DSL. Both are contactable in person, by phone, or via office@kingsgrammarschool.com.

What to do if you are worried about a child

• If a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services first.
• If you are a member of staff: speak to the DSL the same day. Do not investigate yourself. Record what you have seen or been told in the child's own words, with the date and time.
• If you are a parent or visitor: speak to the DSL or the Head. If your concern is about a member of staff, contact the Chair of Trustees in writing.
• If you are a child: speak to any teacher you trust. They will listen and they will help.

Recruitment and training

• Every adult who works or volunteers at the school provides a clean police record check (Malagasy and, where applicable, country of origin) before starting.
• References are taken up in writing for every new member of staff.
• All staff complete safeguarding training on induction and refresh it annually.
• Safer-recruitment practice is followed in every hiring decision.

Working with external services

Where a child may be suffering or at risk of significant harm, the DSL will, after considering the case carefully and where possible with the consent of parents, contact appropriate external services: the local social welfare authority, the police, or a medical professional. The welfare of the child overrides any obligation of confidentiality.

Confidentiality and records

Safeguarding concerns are recorded on a dated, signed record kept in a locked file in the DSL's office. Information is shared on a strict need-to-know basis. Records are retained until the child's 25th birthday in line with good practice.

Related policies

• Behaviour & anti-bullying policy
• Equal opportunities & inclusion policy
• Health & wellbeing policy
• Data protection & privacy policy
• Online safety policy (issued separately to staff)