Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At Harrowby Church of England Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, respected and loved. Schools have a legal responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand their duty to identify and respond to any concerns about a child’s welfare. When concerns arise, we act promptly and appropriately, working with families and other agencies to ensure children receive the support and protection they need.
What Might Concern Us?
Most safeguarding concerns do not involve immediate danger. Often, they begin with a member of staff noticing that a child or family may benefit from some additional support.
We may become concerned if we notice:
Changes in Behaviour or Wellbeing
- A child becoming withdrawn, anxious or unusually upset.
- Sudden changes in behaviour or mood.
- A loss of confidence or self-esteem.
- Difficulties with friendships or social interactions.
Attendance and Engagement
- Frequent absence from school.
- Persistent lateness.
- Reduced engagement in learning.
- A sudden decline in attainment or participation.
Physical or Emotional Needs
- Regular tiredness or hunger.
- Poor hygiene.
- Inappropriate clothing for the weather.
- Unexplained injuries.
- Signs of emotional distress.
Family Circumstances
- Family conflict or relationship difficulties.
- Housing or financial challenges.
- Domestic abuse.
- Parental mental health concerns.
- Substance misuse affecting family life.
Online Safety Concerns
- Exposure to inappropriate content.
- Cyberbullying.
- Unsafe use of social media or online gaming.
- Concerns about exploitation or grooming.
Safeguarding Risks
- Neglect.
- Emotional abuse.
- Physical abuse.
- Sexual abuse.
- Child-on-child abuse.
- Criminal or sexual exploitation.
- Radicalisation or extremism
How We Respond to Concerns
When concerns are raised, our priority is always the welfare of the child.
Depending on the nature of the concern, we may:
- Speak with the child in a safe and supportive way.
- Record and monitor concerns.
- Gather additional information.
- Discuss concerns with parents or carers where appropriate.
- Put support in place within school.
- Seek advice from other professionals.
- Work with families through Family Help services.
- Make referrals to Children’s Social Care when a child may be at risk of significant harm.
What Happens if We Have a Concern?
At Harrowby CE Primary School, we believe that children thrive when schools and families work together. If we have concerns about a child’s welfare, wellbeing or safety, our first step is to gather information and consider what support may be needed.
We will always listen carefully to children and take seriously anything they tell us. In most cases, we will also work closely with parents and carers to understand the situation and identify the best way forward.
The support offered will depend on the needs of the child and family. This may include:
- Support from school staff.
- Regular communication with parents or carers.
- Family Help services.
- Advice from other professionals or agencies.
- A referral to Children’s Services where additional support or protection may be required.
Our aim is always to ensure that concerns are responded to appropriately and that children receive the support they need as early as possible.
Referrals to Children’s Services
Occasionally, concerns may be of a nature that requires us to seek advice or support from Children’s Services.
A referral may be made when we believe a child could be at risk of harm, may be experiencing neglect or abuse, or requires support that cannot be provided by school alone.
Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, we will discuss our concerns with parents and carers and involve them in the process. However, there may be circumstances where informing parents beforehand could place a child at greater risk. In these situations, we have a duty to act in the child’s best interests and may make a referral without prior discussion.
Any decision to make a referral is carefully considered by the safeguarding team and is always made with the child’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of our decision-making.
Family Help
Sometimes children and families need a little extra support. Family Help (previously known as Early Help) is a way of providing support at the earliest opportunity to prevent concerns from escalating.
Family Help aims to:
- Support children and families to overcome challenges.
- Improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Identify and address needs as early as possible.
- Build on family strengths and resilience.
- Ensure families receive the right support at the right time.
Family Help may support families with:
- Attendance and punctuality.
- Emotional wellbeing and mental health.
- Parenting advice and guidance.
- Behaviour at home or school.
- Family relationships.
- Housing or financial concerns.
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Significant life events or changes affecting family life.
Our safeguarding team will work closely with families throughout the Family Help process, ensuring that support is coordinated and that children and families receive the right help at the right time.
Worried About a Child?
Children can talk to any trusted adult in school if they are worried about something or need help. We encourage all children to speak to someone if they feel unsafe, upset or concerned about themselves or someone else.
Families are encouraged to speak to a member of the safeguarding team if they have any worries or concerns about their own child. We are always happy to listen, offer support and help families access additional services where needed.
If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of another child, we encourage you to report your concerns directly to:
Lincolnshire Children’s Services
☎ 01522 782111
NSPCC Helpline
☎ 0808 800 5000
If a child is in immediate danger, always contact the police on 999.
No concern is too small. If you are worried about a child, it is always better to share your concerns so that support can be provided as early as possible.
Our Safeguarding Team
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Amy Cussell-Smith, Headteacher
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Mel Anstey, Deputy Headteacher
Telephone: 01476 564417
Email: enquiries@harrowby.laat.co.uk
