The safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child at Longvernal Primary School is our highest priority. Safeguarding is not simply a policy or procedure; it is a fundamental responsibility shared by everyone within our school community. We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting children and will always act where there is a concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

We have robust safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures in place, supported by clear policies, regular staff training and rigorous systems for identifying, recording and responding to concerns. Our safeguarding arrangements are regularly reviewed and updated in line with current statutory requirements and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Our aim is to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment in which every child feels valued, listened to and able to thrive. To maintain these standards, we thoroughly vet and train all staff and volunteers, actively challenge unsafe practice and work proactively to identify and support children who may be at risk.

Safeguarding extends beyond the school gates, so we empower our pupils to navigate risks both in person and online. Through our curriculum, children learn to recognise when to seek help, stay safe online, spot harmful or abusive content and identify and challenge extremist views.

To support our children fully, we work closely with parents, carers and external agencies. We never dismiss, minimise, or ignore a concern, taking immediate action whenever a child may be at risk of harm.

Reporting a safeguarding concern

If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child at Longvernal Primary School, please report it immediately to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mrs Chrissie Brain.

Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Miss Jess Collins and Mrs Carole Macdonald and should be contacted if the Designated Safeguarding Lead is unavailable.

Any concern or allegation regarding the conduct of a member of staff, volunteer, contractor or other adult working within the school should be reported immediately to the Headteacher, Mrs Chrissie Brain.

Any concern or allegation relating to the Headteacher should be reported directly to the Chair of Governors.

VISITOR PROCEDURES:

• Visitors must sign in at main reception.
• Visitors will be issued with a visitor’s pass which must be displayed at all times whilst on the site.
• Visitors will be asked to remain under the supervision of a designated member of staff whilst on site.
• Visitors must not use a smart phone or camera on site.
• Visitors must sign out at the main reception and return their visitor pass before leaving the site.

Keeping You Safe at Longvernal

At Longvernal, we want every child to feel safe, happy and listened to.

There are lots of adults in school who are here to help you. If something is worrying you, making you feel uncomfortable or making you feel unsafe, you can talk to any trusted adult in school. We will listen to you and take your worries seriously.

Remember:

• You can always ask for help.
• If something does not feel right, tell an adult you trust.
• It is always okay to speak up, even if you are worried about getting someone into trouble.
• Never keep a secret that makes you feel frightened, worried or uncomfortable.
• If something happens online that worries or upsets you, tell a trusted adult.
• If you see harmful or abusive content, or something that encourages extremist views, tell an adult.
• Keep telling until you feel safe and you know you have been heard.

Speak out. Stay safe.

At Longvernal, we take part in the NSPCC Speak out Stay safe programme. This helps you understand that you have the right to feel safe and teaches you what to do if you are ever worried about yourself or someone else.

Remember: Speak out. Stay safe.

Our safeguarding team is here to help you, but you can talk to any trusted adult in school if you are worried about yourself or somebody else.

Need someone else to talk to?

You can also contact Childline for free and confidential help and advice.

Call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk

Your worries matter. We will listen, we will help and we will do everything we can to keep you safe.

• NSPCC- Support and Advice for Families:

         https://www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/ 

• NSPCC- Talk PANTS:

       https://www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/pants-underwear-rule/ 

• The National College- Online safety training and resources for parents and carers:

       https://nationalcollege.com/parents