Safeguarding

At Cury School, the safety, welfare, and well-being of our students are paramount. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and respected.

We adhere to robust safeguarding procedures to ensure that all children are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Our staff are trained to recognise signs of concern and are dedicated to responding promptly and appropriately to any safeguarding issues that may arise.

We work in partnership with parents, carers, external agencies, and the wider community to promote a culture of safeguarding and to provide support and guidance to those who need it.

Through our curriculum and pastoral care, we empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to keep themselves and others safe, both online and offline.

Together, we strive to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Intent

•Safeguarding practices aim to create a safe and supportive environment in which pupils can learn, thrive, and reach their full potential. This involves fostering a positive school culture, ensuring physical safety, promoting healthy relationships, and providing appropriate support systems.

•Protecting pupils from Harm: The primary intent of safeguarding practices is to protect pupils from physical, emotional, and psychological harm. This includes safeguarding them from abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, and other potential risks that may compromise their safety and well-being.

Implementation

•Designated safeguarding lead who supports staff to understand and identify any safeguarding concerns.

•Classrooms are considered emotionally safe; there is a sense of warmth, support and responsiveness to pupils’ individual needs.

•All pupils have access to a safe space in school. For example, lunch and break provision provided which offers activities and support for all children and young people with a variety of needs and interests.

•Comprehensive Policies and Procedures: The school has robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place that are regularly reviewed and updated. These policies outline clear guidelines on identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns, reporting procedures, and the roles and responsibilities of staff members.

•Staff Training and Awareness: All staff members, including teachers, support staff, and administrators receive regular training on safeguarding practices specific to SEMH needs. This training recognises signs of abuse, neglect, and mental health issues, as well as appropriate reporting and intervention strategies.

•Creating a Safe Physical Environment: The physical environment of the school is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. This includes secure entrances and exits, adequate supervision in common areas, and measures to prevent bullying, harassment, or access by unauthorised individuals.

• Cury School fosters a culture that prioritises the safeguarding of pupils. This involves promoting open communication, encouraging reporting of concerns, and maintaining confidentiality when necessary. It also includes raising awareness amongst pupils about their rights and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their peers.

•Robust Recruitment and Selection Procedures: The school should have stringent recruitment and selection procedures in place to ensure that staff members are suitable to work with vulnerable pupils. This includes thorough background checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, and comprehensive reference checks.

•Multi-agency collaboration: collaborating effectively with external agencies, such as child protection services, mental health professionals, and social workers. Regular communication and coordination with these agencies ensure that pupils receive the necessary support and intervention when required.

Impact

•Ensuring Physical and Emotional Safety: Effective safeguarding measures create a safe and secure environment for pupils. This includes protection from physical harm, abuse, neglect, and bullying. When pupils feel safe, they can focus on their learning, build positive relationships, and develop a sense of trust in their school community.

•Early intervention can be provided to address mental health challenges, promote resilience, and support the development of healthy coping strategies.

•Effective safeguarding helps create a conducive atmosphere for learning, reducing barriers to engagement and allowing pupils to focus on their education.

•Safeguarding practices encourage positive relationships between pupils and staff members. This includes fostering open lines of communication, promoting trust, and creating a culture of mutual respect. Positive relationships contribute to a supportive learning environment, where pupils feel comfortable seeking help and guidance when needed.

•Effective safeguarding practices ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to child protection and safeguarding. Compliance builds trust and confidence in the school's commitment to safeguarding.

SPT and Cury School safeguarding information

Operation Encompass

Other safeguarding organisations guidance and information

LADO leaflets/information