Safeguarding

John Chilton School is proud of its commitment to safeguarding and child protection; working with children who are looked after, subject to a child in need or child protection plan in partnership with Social Services and appropriate agencies.

Safeguarding is firmly embedded in the curriculum from Reception to Sixth Form; and actively promoted through posters around the school to help pupils keep themselves safe. We regularly invite other agencies in to work with our staff, parents and pupils. Recently we have worked with:

• AlterEgo CreativeSolutions: Chelsea’s Choice (drama group promoting awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation)
• Image in Action (specialist sex and relationships agency for young people with disabilities)
• Tender Reclaim (charity working with young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence by promoting healthy relationships based on equality and respect)
• Diversity Role Models
• Small Steps – a Prevent group

A Safeguarding Committee of relevant staff and Governors, meet every half term to ensure that all local initiatives and new Government guidance are incorporated with the implementation of any action plans being overseen.

Pupils at risk of extremism, child sexual exploitation, peer on peer abuse and/or FGM are identified and additional monitoring and interventions are in place to support. Risks levels consider the vulnerability of the pupil, possibility of contact along with the protecting factors around them. This is regularly reviewed and updated. Pupils that move in and out of the school are registered with the relevant authorities to guarantee no pupils are missing in education.

A comprehensive training programme is in place for all staff, including Child Protection and Safeguarding, Child Sexual Exploitation, Prevent, Female Genital Mutilation and E- Safety. Work placement students and regular supply staff also have training from a designated teacher. The robust policy is shared and signed and read by all. Governors update their training every two years and are expected to be conversant with Keep Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.

Parents’ and carers’ understanding of how to keep their child safe, especially online, is promoted through workshops and regular newsletter updates.

The Headteacher, Assistant Heads School Business Manager and Chair of the Governing Board have all completed Safer Recruitment Training and use this knowledge for all new appointments. The Single Central Record (a record that details the qualifications and checks on all staff and others that have regular contact with the school including Governors, volunteers and contractors) is kept and is rigorously maintained.

Operation Encompass

We know that our procedures work because our pupils tell us in different ways: through videos, role plays, poster making, surveys, asking for help and telling us about their concerns. You can see some of their work and comments in the links below.