Safeguarding

Safeguarding at Great Malvern Primary School

At Great Malvern Primary School every child has the right to feel safe, valued and listened to. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and positive relationships are at the heart of our approach, enabling children and families to feel supported, respected and able to seek help when needed. 

 

We believe that building trusting relationships is essential to effective safeguarding. Our staff know children and families well, remain alert to their needs and wellbeing and are committed to creating a culture where concerns are identified early and acted upon promptly. We recognise that children and families may face a wide range of challenges and work proactively to remove barriers, promote wellbeing and ensure every child is able to engage fully in school life. We recognise that children may not always be able to communicate when they need help so we maintain a vigilant, caring and professionally curious approach at all times. 

Our committed staff work together to create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe to share their thoughts, feelings and worries. We believe every child has the right to be heard and that no concern is too small when a child's welfare may be at risk. 

Our Designated Safeguarding Team acts in the best interests of the child at all times, working openly and honestly with families and alongside partner agencies to secure the right support at the right time. Through trusted relationships, early intervention, professional challenge and a strong commitment to multi-agency working, we strive to ensure that every child is safe, supported and able to thrive. 

The welfare of the child is always our paramount consideration. 

Designated Safeguarding Team 

Miss Emma Grace (Deputy Headteacher) – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 
Miss Gemma Richards (Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo) – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 
Mrs Janine Burton (Headteacher) – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 
Mrs Jo Cory (Family Liaison Officer) – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 
Mrs Kerry Williams (Pastoral Lead) – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 
Miss Katie Lester (Senior Administrator) – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 
Mrs Claire Newton (Wraparound Lead) – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact a member of the safeguarding team immediately. All concerns are taken seriously and acted upon appropriately with the needs and best interests of the child at the centre of all decisions. 

• We are committed to safer recruitment practices and ensure all staff, volunteers and visitors are appropriately vetted before working with children. 
• All adults working in school undergo the required safeguarding and safer recruitment checks and receive regular safeguarding and child protection training. 
• We have trained Designated Safeguarding Leads and safeguarding governors who provide oversight and support for our safeguarding responsibilities. 
• We maintain robust safeguarding policies and procedures which underpin our commitment to keeping children safe. 
• We follow guidance from the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children's Partnership and work closely with parents and external agencies to secure the right support for children and families. 
• We have clear systems for identifying, reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns. 
• We actively support the Government's Prevent Duty and promote tolerance, respect and British values to help protect children from radicalisation and extremism. 
• All staff are expected to adhere to the school's Code of Conduct and maintain the highest professional standards at all times. 
• Any concerns regarding the conduct of staff are reported and managed in line with statutory guidance. Concerns about the Headteacher should be reported to the Trust CEO, Mr Dafydd Lawday. 
• All staff are familiar with and expected to follow the school's Whistleblowing Policy, ensuring that concerns can be raised confidently and appropriately. 
• Through our PSHE and Relationships Education curriculum, pupils are taught how to recognise and manage risk, keep themselves safe, develop healthy and respectful relationships, understand how to seek help and support, and promote their own emotional health and wellbeing. 

Creating a culture of vigilance, transparency and accountability is central to our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child. 

 External Links to Safeguarding Information and Documents

Keeping Children Safe in Education

Safeguarding in Worcester

Working together to safeguard children: an illustrated guide for children, young people and their families

 

We are an Operation Encompass School