Safeguarding
At Sandwich Junior School, the health, safety and wellbeing of every child is our top priority. As a school we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children and we expect all staff, volunteers and governors to share this commitment.
We have a number of policies and in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy which can be viewed in the policies section on our website. As well as consistent and effective safeguarding procedures in place to support families, children and staff at school.
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 a child is discussed with parents/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.
We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.
Our Safeguarding Team
We have a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who are responsible for overseeing all safeguarding matters. We also have a named governor, Katie Reeves, who is responsible for monitoring safeguarding at Sandwich Junior School.
Raising a concern
If you are concerned about the safety of a child, please contact one of our DSLs by calling into the office.
Alternatively, if the concern is urgent, then please contact 'Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (MASH)' on 03000 421126 or out of hours on 03000 419191, email kscmp@kent.gov.uk.
Or use the link below to report your concern:
https://www.kscmp.org.uk/guidance/worried-about-a-child.
Report abuse - Kent County Council
If a child is in immediate danger, call the emergency services using 999.
Operation Encompass
At Sandwich Junior School, we are working in partnership with Kent Police and Kent County Council to identify and provide appropriate support to pupils who have experienced domestic abuse in their household; this scheme is called Operation Encompass.
In order to achieve this, Kent Police will assess and share information of all domestic abuse incidents where one of our pupils has been present or connected with the household with the Designated Safeguarding Leads. On receipt of any information, the Designated Safeguarding Lead/s will decide on the appropriate support the child requires, this could be silent or overt.
All information sharing and resulting actions will be undertaken in accordance with the 'Information Sharing Agreement' between Kent Police and Kent County Council. We will record this information and store this information in line with our school safeguarding record keeping procedures.
Policies & Procedures
SJS Child Protection Policy Addendum - January 2021 - in response to Covid-19
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused
Photographs & Videos
Whilst lots of parents and carers really enjoy seeing photos and videos of their children's school life we are very mindful of our duty of care towards all our pupils. We take the issue of safeguarding very seriously and this includes the use of photographic and video images.
Any photographs or videos taken by parents, carers and relatives at school productions, sports days or other events are for the enjoyment of individual families. They must not be used in any way that could potentially place a child at risk. This would include publishing images in any form of print or on the internet including social networking sites. This is emphasised before concerts and shows etc. and where practical a record of parents and relatives taking photographs or videos is made.
We understand that in exceptional circumstances a parent or carer may not wish their child to be photographed or videoed in this way. If this is the case, then please complete the relevant paperwork at the School Office.
Occasionally, the local press will be invited to take photographs of school events and special achievements. We like to use photographs of our children on our website, in school documents, for parent information meetings, newsletters and on our display screens around the school. If you do not wish photographs of your child to be used for these purposes, then please notify the School Office.
Useful Links
NSPCC - Keeping Children Safe
Net Aware: Your guide to social networks, apps and games (net-aware.org.uk)
Online Safety - Visit the Online Safety section of our website for further information and advice.
E-safety Guides for Schools | National Online Safety
Operation Encompass - A local project to supporting families and children who experience domestic abuse.
Think You Know - A brilliant site to support your role as a parent in keeping your child safe online.
Advice to parents and carers on keeping children safe from abuse and harm - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
