Safeguarding

At Kirby Muxloe Primary School,  safeguarding is our top priority. We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where all children can thrive, feel secure, and have the opportunity to learn and grow. Every child deserves to feel safe, and we work together with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure their safety and well-being.

Our Safeguarding Principles

We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We follow the guidelines set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Our aim is to prevent harm, ensure children are safe, and provide them with a safe environment where they can develop to their full potential.

The key principles of our safeguarding policy are:

• Protection from Harm: We are committed to protecting all children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Early Intervention: Identifying concerns early and intervening to support children and families.
• Partnership Working: Collaborating with families, external agencies, and local authorities to provide the best care for our children.
• Preventative Education: Teaching children about staying safe, recognising risks, and how to seek help if needed.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for overseeing the safeguarding practices at our school. The DSL is the first point of contact for any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being. Our DSL is:

• Miss Sharon Jackson , Pastoral Lead and Assistant Headteacher

Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) are:

• Mr Nicholas Holt, Deputy Headteacher
• Mrs Helene Fisher , Inclusion Lead and Assistant Head
• Mr Elliot Howles, Headteacher

The DSL and DDSLs are trained in safeguarding and child protection and work together to ensure that all concerns are addressed appropriately.

What We Do to Keep Children Safe

We take a proactive approach to safeguarding and child protection. Our staff receive regular safeguarding training, and we have clear procedures in place to respond to any concerns. These include:

• Recognising the Signs of Abuse: All staff are trained to spot the signs of abuse or neglect, and they know how to report concerns.
• Preventing Harm: We have robust policies to prevent bullying, online harm, and physical or emotional abuse.
• Reporting Concerns: Any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being are taken seriously. Staff are required to report concerns to the DSL or DDSLs, who will investigate and take action where necessary.
• Safe Recruitment: We follow strict procedures for the recruitment of staff and volunteers to ensure that everyone working with children is suitable to do so.
• Safeguarding Curriculum: Through our PSHE and RSHE curriculum, and other learning activities, we teach children about healthy relationships, online safety, and how to speak out if they feel unsafe.

How We Handle Safeguarding Concerns

If we receive a safeguarding concern, we take it very seriously and follow a clear process:

1. Immediate Action: If a child is at risk of harm, we will take immediate action to ensure their safety, which may include contacting the police or local children's services.
2. Investigation: Our DSL or DDSLs will investigate the concern confidentially and may involve external agencies if necessary.
3. Record Keeping: We keep detailed records of all safeguarding concerns, actions taken, and outcomes, in line with data protection laws.
4. Support: We will offer support to the child and their family, either through school or external agencies.
5. Review: Safeguarding cases are regularly reviewed to ensure that appropriate support is being provided.

What to Do if You Have a Concern

If you have any concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, it is important to act quickly. You can:

• Speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSLs: If you have concerns about a child, please speak to one of the DSLs, who will listen and take appropriate action. You can contact them at admin@kmprimary.leics.sch.uk or by calling 01162393410
• Report Safeguarding Concerns: If you believe a child is at risk of harm, please report it to us immediately. You can do this by speaking to a member of staff, calling the school, or emailing.

If the concern is urgent or if you believe a child is in immediate danger, please contact Children’s Services or the Police directly.

• Leicestershire Children’s Services: 0116 3050005
• Leicester Children’s Services: 01164541004
• Police: 999 (in an emergency)

Online Safety

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, we take online safety seriously. Our pupils are taught how to use the internet safely and responsibly. We educate them on:

• Understanding online risks: Helping children recognise dangers such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online grooming.
• Reporting inappropriate content: Encouraging children to report any online content or contact that makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Using devices safely: Providing guidance on how to use technology responsibly and securely, both at school and at home.

We also use filters and monitoring tools to ensure that children can access the internet in a safe environment while at school.

Safeguarding for Parents and Carers

We recognise that parents and carers play a vital role in safeguarding children. Here are some ways you can help:

• Talk to your child about staying safe: Encourage open conversations about their well-being, both in school and online.
• Know the signs of abuse: Familiarise yourself with the signs of abuse and neglect, so you can spot if something might be wrong.
• Check online safety: Monitor your child’s online activity and ensure they understand the importance of staying safe online.
• Get involved: If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We work together with parents to ensure children are safe and well-supported.

Pupils

If someone is hurting you, doing things to you against your will or being mean to you, tell someone: your parents, your friends, trusted teachers or other staff at school. If you don’t wish to speak to someone in school, you have other options:

If you are being bullied online, or if you have any concerns about things on the internet, speak to a trusted adult.

Contact Us

If you have any concerns or questions about safeguarding, please don’t hesitate to contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Sharon Jackson , at admin@kmprimary.leics.sch.uk. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our Deputy DSLs or any member of staff.

Your child’s safety and well-being are our top priority. Together, we can ensure a safe and supportive environment for all our pupils.