SAFEGUARDING AT BSB – KEY POINTS
What is ‘Safeguarding and Child Protection’? BSB is committed to acting in the best interests of every child in its care. We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children means: • providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge; • protecting children from maltreatment (any type of abuse or neglect caused by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm) or exploitation, whether that is within or outside the home, including online; • preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development; • ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. Child protection refers to the processes undertaken to protect children who have been identified as suffering or being at risk of suffering significant harm.
Who is responsible for Safeguarding? Safeguarding is EVERYONE’S responsibility. This policy applies to all staff and volunteers. Our policy and procedures also apply to extended school and off-site activities. All staff must: • be aware of their statutory responsibilities with respect to safeguarding; • have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of any kind; • be aware that abuse can happen in all settings and contexts; • be vigilant and focused acutely upon the wellbeing of the children in our care; • act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm. All staff members will undertake safeguarding and child protection training at their induction and then on a regular basis thereafter or before they begin working with children if joining mid-year. All staff are also required to read and familiarise themselves with the school’s Safeguarding Policy Portfolio before the start of each new academic year.