Mountfields Lodge Primary School fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect children and support pupils in school. Our aim is to safeguard and promote our pupils’ welfare, safety and health by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate. The pupils’ welfare is of paramount importance.

OfSTED, March 2022, stated:

'The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

All staff, including those new to school, are confident in the school's systems for reporting and recording safeguarding concerns. Leaders respond quickly to any concerns raised.

Governors make regular checks to ensure that the systems to help keep pupils safe are working.

Teachers ensure that pupils learn how to stay safe online. Leaders have helped pupils to understand the consequences of their words and actions online. Pupils know who to go to if anything worries them. Pupils know their concerns and worries will be taken seriously by all staff.'

Our Safeguarding Commitment:

• The school adopts an open and accepting attitude towards children as part of its responsibility for pastoral care. Staff encourage children and parents to feel free to talk about any concerns and to see school as a safe place when there are difficulties. Children’s worries and fears will be taken seriously and children are encouraged to seek help from members of staff.

Our school will therefore:

• Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk, and are listened to;

• Ensure that children know that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty;

• Include in the curriculum activities and opportunities for PSHE/Citizenship which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse (including online), and to know to whom they can turn for help;

• Ensure every effort is made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies;

• Operate safer recruitment procedures and make sure that all appropriate checks are carried out on new staff and volunteers who will work with children, including identity, right to work, enhanced DBS criminal record and barred list (and overseas where needed), references, and prohibition from teaching or managing in schools

Mr Michael Hoare is the Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection and Safeguarding (DSL), Mrs Iona Mock and Mrs Carol Ghent are the school’s Deputy Designated Senior Leads (DDSLs).

Mrs Joanna Linton is the nominated governor responsible for Child Protection.

If parents have any concerns regarding child protection they should speak to Mr Hoare, Mrs Mock or Mrs Ghent immediately. Please contact via the School Office: office@mountfieldslodge.leics.sch.uk