Safeguard Policy
Union School is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.
We believe that safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of our school community.
This policy outlines our approach to protecting children from harm, ensuring their welfare, and promoting a culture of vigilance, accountability, and care.
Purpose and definitions
This policy provides a clear framework for identifying, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns. It is designed to guide all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders in maintaining the highest standards of child protection and promoting student well-being.
DEFINITION :
Safeguarding means protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, ensuring safe and effective care, and enabling all children to have the best outcomes.
Safeguarding principles
- Children’s welfare is paramount.
- All children have equal rights to protection.
- Early intervention and open communication prevent harm.
- Children should never be asked to keep secrets.
- Partnership with parents and agencies is vital.
Aims and objectives
- Union School’s safeguarding policy is guided by the following objectives :
- To protect all children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- To create a proactive safeguarding culture among staff, students, and families.
- To maintain open, honest, and collaborative communication with parents and guardians.
- To implement clear and consistent procedures for identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns.
- To ensure compliance with current safeguarding legislation and to regularly update practices in line with new guidance.
Purpose and definitions
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Coralie MANHES-SIMS
- Leads and coordinates safeguarding efforts across the school.
- Provides training, guidance, and support to staff.
- Acts as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns.
- Liaises with external agencies when required.
- Supports the DSL in managing and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Child Protection Team:
Barbara DE BAUDRY D'ASSON
Katia DE ITA and
Luke HAMILTON-BOURSET
- Supports the DSL in managing and responding to safeguarding concerns.
All Staff Members
- Must complete yearly safeguarding training with certificates as proof of completion.
- Are responsible for recognising signs of abuse or neglect.
- Must report concerns immediately using the procedures outlined.
Students
- Are encouraged to speak up if they feel unsafe or witness unsafe behaviour.
- Will be taught about their rights and how to seek help.
Safeguarding procedures
Training awareness
- All staff receive regular safeguarding training.
- Safeguarding awareness is integrated into school life, including the curriculum
Reporting concerns
Step 1: Initial Concern
If a staff member suspects or is informed of a safeguarding issue, they must immediately report it to the DSL. If the DSL is unavailable, they must inform the Child Protection Team (Barbara de Baudry d’Asson, Katia de Ita or Luke Hamilton) and log the incident in the Safeguarding Drive document.
Step 2: Information Gathering
The DSL or Child Protection Team will gather relevant information, including speaking with individuals involved, reviewing records, and considering the context of the concern.
Step 3: Documentation and Confidentiality
All actions will be clearly documented in the Safeguarding Drive.
Confidentiality will be maintained with information shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Step 4: Decision-Making and Action
Actions will be determined accordingly depending on the situation.
May involve internal support strategies or referral to external child protection services.
Step 5: Emotional Support
Emotional and psychological support will be provided to affected students, families, and staff.
The SENDco will coordinate and deliver appropriate support
Communication and Reporting structures
- Safeguarding procedures are shared with all stakeholders.
- Students are taught about safety, well-being, and trusted adults through regular class discussions, whole school assemblies and PSHE lessons.
- Staff are given clear guidelines on how to handle any safeguarding concerns.
Confidentiality and Record keeping
- All safeguarding documentation is securely stored and accessible only to the DSL and relevant safeguarding personnel.
- Records will be factual, accurate, and retained in accordance with data protection and safeguarding legislation
Monitoring and Review
- This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation or local safeguarding protocols.
- Staff will receive updates and refresher training on safeguarding best practices throughout the year
Safer recruitment policy
- We follow safer recruitment practices to ensure that all staff, volunteers, and contractors are suitable to work with children.
- All applicants complete a full application form and provide a complete employment history, with any gaps explained.
- References are verified and must include the most recent employer; open references are not accepted.
- Identity, qualifications, and right-to-work checks are carried out, along with enhanced criminal record or police checks (including overseas where applicable).
- At least one member of each interview panel has completed safer recruitment training, and safeguarding-related questions form part of the interview process.
- No member of staff or volunteer begins unsupervised work with children until all background checks have been satisfactorily completed.
- Police background checks (“casier judiciaire”) are asked to staff every year.
Toileting and intimate care
- Some children in the Early Years may require support with toileting and other aspects of intimate care.
- We are committed to ensuring that all children are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity at all times.
- Intimate care will always be carried out in a way that maintains the child’s privacy and upholds their comfort and safety.
- Only Union School Staff members are allowed to support with toileting (no external staff).
- Whenever possible, children are encouraged to be as independent as their age and ability allow.
- Staff will always inform another adult when intimate care is being provided and it is never carried out in isolation.
Conclusion
Union School is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environment for all students.
We believe that safeguarding is a collective responsibility and by working together, we ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in safety.