Nothing is more important than keeping our children safe.

OUR DUTY UNDER THE EDUCATION ACT 2002

NOTE TO ALL PARENTS AND CARERS:

‘Under the Education Act 2002 (Section 175 for maintained schools/Section 157 for academies/free/independent schools), schools must make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  Parents/carers should know that the law (Children Act 1989) 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. 

Staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer and discuss the need to make a referral to Children’s Social Care if that is considered necessary.  This will only be done where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm or cause undue delay.  The school will seek advice from Children’s 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 found to be unfounded.  Parents/carers will appreciate that the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead carries out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acts in the best interests of all children.’

Through our work on protective behaviours, we talk to the children about the importance of having a network of adults they can trust to talk to (called their network hand) which includes adults at home, in school and in any out of school clubs they attend.

We also share information about Childline with the children to help them to be able to reach out if they are worried or concerned about anything.

For more information to support families in Warwickshire follow this link: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/children-families