Safeguarding

The Gerrards Cross CE School is dedicated to providing a place of effective learning and teaching in order that each child may pursue success in the classroom, on the sports field and in every other area of school life. Above all, we aim to provide a secure, caring and well-ordered community where each child is able to grow and flourish. The God-given uniqueness of each child is celebrated, and each individual is nurtured through the partnership of children, parents, staff and governors.

The health, safety and well-being of every child are our paramount concerns. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is for children to enjoy their time as pupils in this school. We want to work in partnership with parents to help each child achieve their full potential and make a positive contribution.

To promote a safe environment for pupils, our selection and recruitment policy includes all checks on staff and regular volunteers' suitability, including Disclosure and Barring Service and Childcare Disqualification Declaration checks in accordance with current legislation.

In accordance with our responsibilities under section 175/157 of the Education Act 2002, our Headteacher is our Designated Safeguarding Lead. She regularly updates her training for this role. Working closely with the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, they ensure that all staff in contact with children, in addition to school governors, receive child protection awareness training on a regular basis.

There are occasions that our concern about a child may mean that we have to consult other agencies, such as the Family Support Service or Social Care. Concerns may be around any type of suspected abuse including neglect. Whilst we would always aim to work in partnership with parents there may be exceptions to this when concerns are raised for the protection of a child. Advice regarding this is always taken from Social Care (First Response).

On very rare occasions Social Care, whilst undertaking an investigation under s47 of the Children Act 1989, may want to speak to a child without parents' knowledge. This would be a decision made in collaboration with partner agencies and would only be done in situations where a child might be at immediate risk. To gain consent at this point may increase the level of risk to the child or cause evidence of a crime to be lost.

The procedures, which we follow, have been laid down by the Local Safeguarding Children's Board, and the school has adopted a Child Protection Policy in line with this for the safety of all. If you want to know more about our procedures, please speak to the Headteacher, Mrs Nicola Flower . The Child Protection Policy can be found in the Policies section of the school website.

Details of those members of those holding specific Safeguarding responsibilities are displayed in rooms and spaces around the school. However, all staff share responsibility for ensuring the safeguarding of our pupils and all staff receive regular update training. If you have a concern about a pupil, please contact the school office, Mrs Flower or Mrs Sheaf, or any member of the staff team.

Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs Nicola Flower

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs Clare Sheaf

Governor with responsibility for safeguarding - Mrs Ann Green gxgovernorsafeguarding@gerrardscross.bucks.sch.uk

Designated teacher for looked-after or previously looked-after children - Mr Sanjay Mall

Any of these can be contacted via the school office.

In the event that you become concerned for a child during a weekend or school holiday, please use the following information to report your concern directly to Buckinghamshire Council:

Buckinghamshire Council – First Response Team

For any concerns about a child – including foster placements, notification of offenders in area, etc. anyone can make a referral to Buckinghamshire Council’s First Response Team at any time by completing a Raise a Concern Online Form