Hayfield School
Safeguarding 2023-2024
Hayfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Note: In light of the World Health crisis in 2020 as a result of Covid-19 we added a temporary Safeguarding Policy: Covid 19 Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy March 2020 to reflect changes in practice and procedures we are followed to ensure the safety of children, famiilies and staff. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the policy
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Deputy Head Sue Wilson.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Safeguarding Policy 2023-2024.. We adhere to the statutory guidance set out in the Keeping Children Safe In Education and our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy is updated annually to reflect the changes in this guidance. You can download and read our Safeguarding Policy 2023-2024 below, as well as the KCSIE 2023 documentation.
Operation Encompass: Notice to Parents and Carers
As part of our Safeguarding procedures, our school is part of Operation Encompass, which is a national scheme that operates jointly between schools and police forces Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person has experienced domestic abuse. As a school we have ensured that a member of our staff, (Designated Safeguarding Lead) known as a Key Adult, has been trained in the Operation Encompass procedures allowing us to then use the information that has been shared, in confidence, to support the child/ren in our care.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 identifies children who experience domestic abuse as victims of domestic abuse in their own right
PREVENT
We also actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism. Information about this can be found below.
If you want to know more about our procedures, please speak to our DSL Sue Wilson.
Prevent Agenda
What is the Prevent strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.
The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.
This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
These include:
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity
- Challenging prejudices and racist comments
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values
We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils.
Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Prevent relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.
British values include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty and mutual respect
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.
The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others.
We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
Where to go for more information:
Contact the school
If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
KEY TERMS
Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Ideology – a set of beliefs
Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause
Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism