The responsibility to promote the welfare and safeguarding of all pupils both in our school and in the wider community is taken extremely seriously by the Trustees, Governors and all members of staff at Vale View School.

The school has 3 Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who have overall responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection. Our DSLs are: Lisa Sprigmore (Headteacher), Dave Vellani (SENCO) and Ruth Bishop (EYFS Lead Practitioner).  Our Trust DSL is Mrs Anne Siggins.

Our commitment to safeguarding is embedded in the ethos and core values of the school and stretches across all aspects of school life;

Ensuring that we; Put the welfare of children above all else. Provide an environment in which children feel safe and secure, valued and respected enabling them to be able to talk openly and with confidence knowing they will be listened to. Are seen as an important part of the wider safeguarding community system for all children. Work with parents to build an understanding of the school’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of all children including the need for referral to other agencies in some situations Develop effective and supportive liaison with other agencies including Early Help, social services and the police.

We are committed to:

Ensuring We Provide; A rigorous system for safer recruitment that undertakes all the necessary checks that provides the reassurance that we keep children safe – in line with our safer recruitment policy. A fully trained staff who are able to respond appropriately to any safeguarding situation that may arise. Information to all staff and volunteers so that they are aware of the school’s procedures, lines of communication and responsibilities and are able to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse. An electronic system that confidentially secures all records on children and young people who have been identified as “in need” including those in need of protection.   A rigorous online reporting system to enable initial concerns to be explored by a DSL.

Ensuring the Curriculum; Provides opportunities for children to understand how to keep themselves safe. Increases self-esteem, assertiveness, self-awareness and decision-making so that children have a range of contacts and strategies to ensure their own safety and understand the importance of protecting others. Provides an awareness of what bullying is and how to respond to it. Delivers the understanding of on-line safety and equips pupils with the skills to enable them to keep safe and how to seek advice and support.

If you have a concern about the safety of a child then please contact any of the school Designated Safeguarding Leads straight away. During school hours this can be done by phoning 01304 202821 or email headteacher@vale-view.kent.sch.uk.  Outside of school hours please consult with Police or Kent Children's Services.

Useful Links

NSPCC - Keeping Children Safe

Report Abuse - If you are not able to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead at the school then you can contact Kent Safeguarding Team Directly here

 

 

 

 

Key Documents can be found below

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found here

 

NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe Programme

During Term 3 the children took part in a range of assemblies and talk-times using the NSPCC resources as part of the speak out stay safe programme.