Health, Safety and Welfare

Child Protection

Under the Education Act 2002 (section 175), schools must "make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children". We will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected listened to and valued. The school will therefore be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and will follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures to ensure that children receive appropriate and effective support and protection.

 

Parents/carers should know that the law requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child's welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer, and where possible inform them of the referral to Social Care. This will only be done where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm.

In accordance with local Information Sharing protocols, we will ensure that information is shared securely and sensitively. Information will only be shared with other services where it is deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure that children and young people are safe and receive the right service.

 

Schools will seek advice from Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded. Parents/carers will appreciate that the Designated Persons for Child Protection was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children.

 

The headteacher and the Deputy headteacher are the designated personnel for child protection. If you have any concerns about a child, please bring it to their attention.

"The Spinney is committed to safeguarding all the children in its care and promoting their well-being."

 

Premises

The Spinney ensures security measures are in place to safeguard our community. Children arrive at school no earlier than 8.45 am, when they may wait in the playground prior to going along to their classes at 8:55. Close of register is at 9.05, at which time the doors are locked around the school. After that time all children and parents must come to the school office via the main entrance where they will be asked to sign in and record the reason for lateness.

 

Visitors are asked to sign in and wear a visitor's identification badge. Children and parents are instructed not to open the front door even though it may seem polite to do so.

We want the children to be as independent as possible, learning to take care of their belongings responsibly. For this reason we encourage parents and carers to allow their children to come into the school building independently. This ensures that the children settle quickly and learning starts promptly.

 

At the end of the school day at 3:15pm parents are asked to wait outside in the playground. At other times the children are asked not to speak to anyone at the school gate. Although it may be your child you are speaking to, others will not know this. If collecting a child during school time parents should report first to the office.

 

The gates are locked each night and we ask parents to ensure that they do not allow their children on to school property after school hours.

 

Health and Safety

The school has a Health, Safety and Welfare policy which is reviewed regularly. The school's Health and Safety governor makes regular tours of the school with the caretakers to inspect for Health and Safety issues and attend to matters arising. The school has a responsibility to all visitors and contractors visiting the school. We have a responsibility to all who work and visit the school. Any member of staff, parent/carer or governor is encouraged to bring any health and safety concern to the immediate attention of the headteacher or caretaker.