Goathland School Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school and, through our policies, procedures and attitudes, strive to promote a culture of shared responsibility for all aspects of safeguarding. All North Yorkshire schools, including Goathland Primary School, follow the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures.
We work hard to ensure that:
- we employ staff and volunteers who are suitable to work with children
- our policies and procedures are understood and adhered to by all staff at all times
- there are clear expectations and boundaries for behaviour of children, staff and volunteers
- children are taught strategies for recognising and dealing with dangers.
- all staff and volunteers are confident in dealing with concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, and that there are rigorous procedures in place for following up concerns.
The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their child/ren. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents. The school's Child Protection policy and other key safeguarding policies are available on the school website by clicking on the links.
What can I do if I am worried about a child?
If parents, staff or volunteers have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, the main point of contact in school is Lisa Armstrong, who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or Vickie Bordoli who is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. The governor with responsibility for overseeing child protection matters is Nicola Atkinson. Staff should use our school reporting system to record any concerns.
This is in line with our child protection policy, but if you do not feel able to talk to the school, or are unable to contact staff for any reason, then you can telephone the Children's Social Care Contact Centre on 01609 536993, or contact the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership at any time. Documents and information about reporting concerns are also available on request from the school office.
If your concern is about a member of staff, you can contact the duty Local Area Designated Officer on 01609 533080.
If you are worried that a child is at risk of immediate harm, contact the police at once.
Staff use the safeguarding procedures described in our school policy, and ensure that all concerns are shared on the same day with the Safeguarding Lead, her deputy, and other relevant members of staff.