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Safeguarding and PREVENT

Safeguarding and PREVENT at Nova Primary Academy

Under the Education Act 2002 (section 175/157), schools must “make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children”.

The school will be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and will follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures to ensure that children receive appropriate and effective support and protection.

Parents/carers should know that the law requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The school should make parents/carers aware that records of welfare concerns may be kept about their child. They should be informed that school staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with them including referrals to other agencies. However, in situations where the child is suspected to be at risk of harm, the law says that schools may take advice from other agencies without informing parents/carers.

In accordance with local Information sharing protocols, we will ensure that information is shared securely and sensitively. Information will only be shared with other services where it is deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure that children and young people are safe and receive the right service.

Schools will seek advice from Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded. Parents/carers will appreciate that the member of staff in the school with responsibility for child protection (known as the Designated Person for Child Protection - see list below) was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children.

Safeguarding/Prevent Lead:

  • Megan Taylor 

 

Designated Staff:

  • Alma McGonigle (Headteacher)
  • Sally Hudson (Deputy Headteacher)
  • Nicola Lord (Family Engagment and Safeguarding Officer)
  • Vicky Wells  (SENCo)

 

Under Section 3 (5) of the Children Act 1989, schools or any person who has care of a child “may … do what is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child’s welfare”. This means that on rare occasions, a school may be requested by Social Care or the police to look after a child in school whilst Social Care and the police investigate concerns further.

Nova Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. Our Safeguarding Governor is Mrs Joan Savage and key contacts are listed below.

Safeguarding concerns must be shared without delay with a designated safeguarding member of staff. If a member of our school community has a concern regarding a member of our staff then please contact our Child Protection leads either via the school office or using the email addresses above. If a designated person is not available, in an emergency or if you are not happy with the schools action, please seek advice from the police or Children's Social Care. 

Key Contact list for Peterborough

  • Children's Social Care Contact Centre 01733 864170 / 864180
  • Cambridgeshire Police 01480 456111 / 101
  • Early Help Assessments Helpline 01733 863649
  • Local Authority Designated Officer 01733 864038

Important links