Highwood Primary School is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, staff and visitors and promoting a climate where children and adults feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others. We aim to safeguard and promote the welfare of children ensuring that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and take action where necessary so that they have the best outcomes.

Mrs Lipski and Mrs. Abbott are the Designated Safeguarding Officers and all staff are updated with training and attend regular updates.

Keeping children safe

The school follows Safer Recruitment procedures for all adults working at the school. 

In line with good practice records are kept of:

Discussions/observations with a child

Discussions/observations with a parent

Discussions /observations made by school staff

These records and actions are confidential and kept securely. Actions are reviewed regularly where necessary.

Risk Assessments for trips and other events including individual plans are in place and reviewed regularly.The school keeps the perimeter secure with one point of entry. All visitors sign in through the school office and identity checks are made. 

Making referrals

Anyone who has a concern about a child can make a referral to social services.The local number is 0345 603 7627

The Governing Body

The Governing Body ensures the school meets its statutory responsibilities to ensure children attending the school are safe. The Safeguarding Governor visits regularly to monitor records and check on procedures.

Curriculum

Through all areas of the curriculum we encourage children to think about how to stay safe. The children also attend sessions on Fire safety, Bikeability and safe use of the internet.

Further information

The school regularly updates parents on current practice.

You may also want to visit our Keeping Children Safe, on our Parents tab for information regarding online safety etc.

• PACE
  Parents against child sexual exploitation

• NSPCC
  Campaigning to end cruelty to children in the uk.

• Barnardo's Child Sexual Exploitation
  Theses pages are for anyone with questions about child exploitation , including what it is and what Barnardo's are doing to tackle the issue.

• CEOP
  News and acrticle's surrounding internet safety

• Think you know?
  Great advice to keep children safe whilst using the internet

• Department for Education
  Articles and advice for children and young people

• Action for Children
  ction for children supports and speaks for the uk's most vulnerable and neglected children and young people

• Essex Safeguarding Board
  A helpful web site if you have a concern about a child or young person