Takeley Primary School

Safeguarding

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Takeley Primary School we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously. We have an open door policy and we are happy to speak to any member of the school community who may have concerns about the welfare or safety of any child, whether the concerns are at school or in the wider community.

We have staff members who are specifically trained to deal with safeguarding issues. These are our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs). There is always a trained member of staff on the school premises to deal with any safeguarding concerns that may arise. These staff are:

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Mrs C Phillips

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Miss C Dennis & Mrs N Russell

Designated Safeguarding Governor:

Mrs D Hancock

DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICERS

Mrs C Phillips

Headteacher

Mrs N Russell

Deputy DSL

Miss C Dennis

Deputy DSL

Mrs J Griffiths

Deputy DSL

THE GOVERNOR WITH RESPONSIBILTY FOR CHILD PROTECTION IS MRS DIANE HANCOCK

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is a term which is broader than ‘child protection’ and relates to the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It includes action against bullying, including cyberbullying and online safety, treating all children equally regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs, preventing impairment of health and development, ensuring that all children are effectively cared for, and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Child protection relates to system-wide procedures for keeping children safe. This includes staff training and awareness, liaison with other agencies (e.g. Multi-Agency Team, Social Care, the police), safer recruitment (including rigorous vetting and background checks on appointed staff), and protecting children from issues such as domestic violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, children missing from education, child sexual exploitation, racism, extremism etc.

What do I do if I have a Safeguarding Concern? 

Children and Young People with needs at Level 4 of the windscreen (Specialist)

(Monday – Thursday: 8.30am – 5.00pm/Friday: 8.30am – 4.15pm)

To make a referral, contact the Initial Response Team (IRT)

Telephone: Freephone: 0345 603 7627 (previously 0845 prefix) – ask for IRT but specify whether you want

1. The IRT Priority Referral Line (for urgent referrals – if a child needs ‘ immediate protection’)
2. The IRT Referral Line (for non-urgent referrals)
3. If you have concerns about a child but would like to discuss these with a Social Worker and seek advice about whether a referral is appropriate, you can contact the Initial Response Team Consultation Line on the same phone number, but specify that you want the IRT Consultation Line.

PRIORITY REFERRALS SHOULD ALWAYS BE REFERRED BY TELEPHONE (if child needs ‘Immediate protection’). The ECC999 may be used to make a referral (unless there is immediate risk) or to confirm a referral made by telephone – this can be sent to IRT by e-mail, fax or post.  The document will have to be password protected if not sent via the GCSX e-mail address.

Email: initialresponseteam@essex.gcsx.gov.uk

Post: Initial Response Team, Essex House, 200 The Crescent, Colchester, Essex CO4 9YQ

Fax: 01206 851844 or 01206 844981

For referrals outside the hours of Monday – Thursday: 8.30am – 5.00pm/Friday: 8.30am – 4.15pm:

Out of Hours Telephone: 0300 123 0779

Out of Hours Email: emergency.dutyteamoutofhours@essex.gov.uk

Children and young people with needs at Levels 2-3 of the windscreen (Additional & Intensive

To discuss possible resources and support for a child and their family, you can contact the Early Help & Advice Hub – they will provide information, advice and guidance.

Telephone: 0345 603 7627 – ask for the Early Help & Advice Hub (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)

Email: early.help@essex.gov.uk or earlyhelp@essex.gcsx.gov.uk

Allegations regarding a worker/volunteer in the Children’s Workforce:

If you have concerns or receive a complaint or allegation that a worker/volunteer has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child;
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or
• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.

(Working Together 2013)

You must immediately telephone the Children’s Safeguarding Service on 01245 436744. The Local Authority Designated Officer will advise you on action to take next.

If a concern is raised outside of office hours, and you think a referral to Social Care is required you should contact Essex Social Care on 0345 6061212 and inform the Local Authority Designated Officer at the first available opportunity.

Email: childrens.safeguarding@essex.gov.uk (please note this is not a secure address so any information sent must be password protected)

Local Authority Designated Officers:

Carole Fuller (Mid), Jacquie Wilkes (North), Mechelle de Kock (South) Rebecca Scott (West)

Safeguarding Advisor to Schools: Jo Barclay – 033301 31078 jo.barclay@essex.gov.uk

Anti-bullying Co-ordinator: Julie Keating – 033301 31160 julie.keating@essex.gov.uk