WOODHOUSE GROVE SCHOOL
Visitor and Safeguarding Information
Welcome to Woodhouse Grove School. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and require all staff, volunteersandvisitorstosharethiscommitment.
Please Switch your Mobile Phone to Silent.
Please do not take calls in the presence of pupils.
Please do not take photos while on school site.
Safeguarding – It is everybody’s responsibility!
Safeguarding – It is everybody’s responsibility “It could happen here”
Introduction
This leaflet is designed to be kept with you during your hours in school.
This leaflet has been given to you to help and ensure you understand what is expected of you.
Woodhouse Grove School has a Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and a copy is available on the school website: woodhousegrove.co.uk
Visitors
All visitors will sign in at reception and wear a visitor’s badge at all times.
Please sign out and hand your badge in upon departure.
If you become concerned about:
• comments made by a child
• marks or bruising on a child
• a child’s behaviour or demeanour
• the behaviour of an adult
Then please report these concerns to a member of staff or reception who will pass this information on to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). You can contact the school’s DSL directly using the contact details within this leaflet.
Safeguarding – It is everybody’s responsibility “It could happen here”
How
do I handle a child who reports that they are being harmed?
Although the likelihood of a child disclosing to a visitor is small, it is important to know what to do in such an eventuality as children rarely lie about such matters.
• Stay calm. Do not transmit shock, anger or embarrassment.
• Reassure the child but do not make promises that might not be possible to keep.
• Tell the child who you will have to tell (DSL) and why — so they can get help.
• Do not interrogate or ask leading questions.
• Listen and remember.
• Praise the child for telling you.
• Do not make comments about the alleged perpetrator.
• As soon as possible record all the details of the conversation using the child’s own language. Do not add opinions.
You must not deal with this yourself. Clear indications or disclosure of abuse must be reported to Children’s Social Work Service without delay, by the Head Teacher / Designated Safeguarding Lead/Staff.
Safeguarding – It is everybody’s responsibility “It could happen here”
Keeping everyone safe
• Maintain a professional approach wherever and whenever you have contact with pupils.
• Unprofessional contact with pupils (e.g. through social media) may leave you vulnerable to an allegation of abuse.
• Avoid, as far as possible, being alone and isolated with a pupil.
• You should only work with a student on a one to one basis if ap propriate safeguarding checks have been carried out such as enhanced DBS checks.
• If you are working with a pupil on their own, always ensure that the door is left open, or that you are visible to others.