​At Thomas Whitehead CE Academy we have a strong school ethos which places children’s welfare, happiness and safety at the heart of all we do. We are committed to protect all of our pupils and rigorously follow our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy reviewed yearly with The Multi Academy Trust of The Diocese of St Albans. Safeguarding is our school's highest priority and it is important that everyone plays a part in ensuring that children are safe.

If you think that a child you know is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed, please contact: Central Bedforshire - Access and Referral Hub on 0300 300 8585 or if calling out of hours, 0300 300 8123.

​Remember, everyone has a duty to protect children from harm.

 

As part of a Multi Academy Trust regular meetings, health check visits and training is continually undertaken by our Safeguarding Team to ensure that all staff members are delivered training sessions that are relevant and up to date. Our team have all achieved certified training in the DFE Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 ​and attend inter-agency safeguarding courses intermittently throughout the year which are delivered by Central Bedfordshire LSCB to enhance their expertise. Staff development on safeguarding issues are delivered termly by our DSL or DDSL’s. All staff members are up to date with all essential policies such as KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education) and the Child protection Policy. Any new staff members undertake extensive induction training with our DSL to ensure that they are well equipped and informed with all of our policies and procedures. 

We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns through displays and assemblies. Staff are trained to look out for signs of physical/emotional harm or neglect and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Drop in, drop off sessions are open for all children to share their worries every lunchtime lead by our Family Worker valuing our pupils voice. Our Curriculum is designed to promote discussions on personal, social and health education using the Jigsaw mindful approach including E-Safety. (see Healthy Schools Link)

We work with charities and partnership agencies that provide workshops such as NSPCC Speak out Stay safe to keep our children knowledgeable and informed in a child friendly way. 

All visitors, volunteers and visiting speakers are expected to go through our clearance procedure. They must sign in to our electronic system and wear a printed badge provided by our Administration Team. Supervision will be provided when necessary. All visitors must read and adhere to our school guidance and procedures in our Visitor and Safeguarding Information Leaflet. 

 

​We are committed to working with parents positively, openly and honestly. We ensure that all parents are treated with respect, dignity and courtesy. 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.