How do we keep children safe?
‘Our school/establishment ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, on and off line, to develop positive and healthy relationships and how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited’.
Our school has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances, the school will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by Children’s Social Care or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the best interests of the child’.
See our Key Information - Policies Section for our full Safeguarding policy and other related policies such as Safer Recruitment, Intimate Care and E Safety.
Our Staff are all trained to be alert to Safeguarding issues.
What do staff at Oaklands do if a child makes a disclosure?
At times, it may be necessary for a Designated Safeguarding Lead to call the child’s parents or carers to discuss briefly what a child has said, or what a member of staff has noticed, and this may immediately help us to clarify what has happened. This is a requirement of the school. We will always undertake to share our intention to refer a child to Children’s Social Care with their parents/carers consent unless to do so could put the child at greater risk of harm, or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, we will consult with the Children’s Social Care, Duty & Advice Service.