Safeguarding

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes

Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation applies to all children up to the age of 18

What is Child Protection?

Child Protection is part of Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. It refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding approach, including the WLT Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which can be viewed in the Policies section of our website and is also included below.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding a child at the school, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01278 760490 or email the school office. You will be directed to a member of staff who will be more than happy to support or advise you. Alternatively, our Safeguarding Governor can be contacted via email at lclarke@markfirstschool.co.uk.