Our Culture of Safeguarding
Why is safeguarding & child protection important?
All children have a right to protection against abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence and many organisations have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. A successful approach requires multi-agency collaboration and a recognition of child well-being at the heart of what we do.
What is the difference between child protection and safeguarding?
Safeguarding, and promoting the welfare of children, is a broader term than child protection. It encompasses protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of children's health or development, and ensures children grow up in safe circumstances. Child protection is part of this definition and refers to activities undertaken to prevent children suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.
Child Protection & Safeguarding
Child Protection and Safeguarding are a priority to everyone at King Street Community Primary. If it is felt that any child is at risk in any way then the Designated Senior Leads (DSL) will take the necessary action. Around school we have posters which shares names of the members of staff who are DSLs. If whilst in our school you have any worries or concerns that a child is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed , or if you receive a disclosure then please contact Mrs Bromley (Headteacher), Miss Bell (Deputy Headteacher), or any other DSL adult within the school who will report your concern. If unsure please ask any member of staff to take you directly to a DSL. All DSLs have up to date training and it is their duty to take necessary action depending upon the information shared with them.
At King Street Primary our first priority is always the child and their welfare is paramount to us. On occasions when a child is at risk it may be necessary to consult with other agencies prior to contacting parents. All members of staff have had Level 1 Safeguarding training. Staff are required to read and sign for all necessary policies related to safeguarding. All staff have read and signed for the latest document related to child protection - Keeping Children Safe In Education. Please feel reassured that confidentiality at all times is imperative. Any information shared will be treated sensitively and with confidentiality.
As a caring organisation with direct responsibility for children, our first concern must be for the children’s welfare in all its aspects and therefore there may be occasions when we have to consult other agencies, particularly in relation to Child Protection/Abuse concerns. The procedures we have to follow are statutory and have been laid down by Durham County Council and the Dfe.
If you have a concern about the child in the community, outside of school, you can make your own referral to First Contact (Durham) who will take details of your concerns and take appropriate action.
First contact telephone number: 03000 267 979
