Western Downland Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We will fulfil our local and national responsibilities as laid out in the following key document:

• • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) 

All staff and regular visitors/volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training annually and on induction. Staff are trained in child protection issues and they are aware of the procedures to follow. Staff training is delivered via a variety of means: face to face in and out of school training, online refreshers and information raising, document sharing and on-going professional dialogues during staff meetings. Staff are encouraged to be vigilant in order to maintain the safety of our children and their concerns are discussed and handled appropriately.

Intent

At Western Downland Primary School we foster a culture where children come first so that we always act in the best interests of pupils to protect them online and offline. We are proactive in identifying pupils who may need early help or who are at risk of harm or being harmed. So that:

• all our pupils are safe and protected from harm
• safeguarding procedures are in place to help pupils to feel safe and learn to stay safe
• adults in the school community are aware of the expected behaviours and the school’s legal responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection.

Implementation

At Western Downland Primary School:

• leaders, governors and staff create a positive culture and ethos where safeguarding is an important part of everyday life. This demonstrates safeguarding is our priority.
• we apply the content of our safeguarding policies and procedures thoroughly, efficiently and consistently
• support staff have a good understanding of safeguarding risks to children, and evidence that they know what to do if a child is at risk of harm
• we ensure we work well with the local authority and other agencies, for example, in making referrals and supporting children who have a multi-agency plan in place
• ensure the proper recruitment checks have been carried out for staff, volunteers and governors working in the school. At least one senior member of staff and/or governor responsible for recruitment is qualified in Safer Recruitment Procedures.
• we consult children regularly about how safe they feel and educate them to understand safeguarding risks online and off line.