Safeguarding is what we do for all children to keep them safe whilst in our care.  

Child Protection describes the policy and procedures specifically for those children who are at risk of serious harm or have been seriously harmed.

Safeguarding starts as soon as children enter the school and aims to ensure that all our staff are well trained and know how to behave appropriately.  Our staff and volunteers go through all safeguarding checks on successful appointments to the school.  When staff have concerns they know who to speak to and understand the next steps that will take place.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. (Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2020)

The Safeguarding Team

• Designated Safeguarding Leader - Ms Bridget Norman (Strategic Lead)
• Designated Safeguarding Leader - Mrs Kate Higginson (Operational Lead)
• SENDCo - Mrs Sarah Livingston
• EYFS Leader - Mrs Lucy Newstead
• Safeguarding Governor - Ms Jen Ryder

Staff with designated responsibilities for safeguarding undertake regular specialist training. 

All staff members and anyone who volunteers with us undertakes training in child protection and this is refreshed as changes take place. We also undertake comprehensive background checks on all staff and any volunteers.

Pastoral Support

Our school’s Safeguarding & Family Support Worker is Kate Higginson. She works with lots of children and families and supports them in many different ways. If you need to talk to anyone about a pastoral, social or emotional concern then contact the school and arrange a time to meet with Kate.

Kate is also able to direct people to other support services that they may not be aware of, such as Bristol’s Families in Focus service. These support services can help families in all sorts of situations.

Social and emotional support

We are aware that sometimes school can be difficult for children. Everyone, at some point, may feel sad, or worried, about something and need some help. Every class has a ‘worry box’ where children can communicate with their teacher if they need some help. If you are concerned about your child’s well-being, the class teacher is the best person to talk to first. Kate is also someone who can help, as is Sally Hornsby, our Nurture Lead.

In some cases, it may be appropriate for the school to use some external services to support children. In these cases, it is likely that the school SENCO or a member of the school’s senior leadership team, will help determine what the best support will be.

If you are a parent/carer and are looking for Safeguarding advice, please see the following link for helpful advice and guidance from the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership: 

https://bristolsafeguarding.org/                                                           

Prevent Strategy

From 1st July 2015 all schools have been subject to a duty under Section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, in the exercise of their functions, to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism". This duty is known as the Prevent Duty.  It applies to a wide range of public-facing bodies, including all primary and secondary schools.
 
Schools can build pupils' resilience to radicalisation by providing a safe environment for debating controversial issues and helping children to understand how they can influence and participate in decision making.  Schools are already expected to promote the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils and, within this, fundamental British values.

Please click on this link for more information - http://educateagainsthate.com/ 

 
Mandatory Reporting of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)  

From 21st October 2015 it is mandatory for teachers, health and social workers to report to the police if they find, or are told, that someone under 18 has undergone FGM. To obtain more information on FGM please click on the links below:

http://www.bava.org.uk/types-of-abuse/female-genital-mutilation/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/

On Line Safety

Here at Hillcrest Primary School, we recognise the benefits and opportunities that new technologies offer to teaching and learning.  We encourage the use of technology in order to enhance skills and promote achievement.  However, the accessible and global nature of the internet and variety of technologies available mean that we are also aware of potential risks and challenges associated with such use. The School's E-Safety Policy is accessed below.

Domestic Violence

For information regarding domestic violence click on the link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

Young Carers

For information regarding being a young carer click on the link:

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/young-carers 

County Lines

For information regarding County Lines click on the link:

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-is-county-lines

Child Sexual Exploitation

For information regarding child sexual exploitation click on the link:

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/child-sexual-exploitation-cse/

Telephone numbers for advice and information:

Police:   101 (non-emergency calls)

If you suspect a child may be in immediate danger, contact the police on 999

NSPCC 24 Hour Helpline  0808 800 5000 (free)

NSPCC Text Helpline        88858 (free & anonymous)

Safeguarding Policies

The policies, practices and procedures to ensure robust safeguarding in school can be found primarily in our Safeguarding Policy but also in other related policies: 

Safeguarding Policy

Anti-Bullying Policy

E-Safety Policy

Behaviour Policy

Health & Safety Policy

First Aid & Administration of Medicines Policy

SPESCH Policy

Risk Assessment Policy

All of which you can access below.