Safeguarding
At Harestock Primary School we take our Safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. This means that we ensure that everyone working in our school has successfully completed the necessary application and interview process and has clearance to enable them to work with our children.
It also means that we have trained senior staff members who are the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs within school. Our DSL is Mrs Clements, Inclusion Manager, and Deputies are Mrs Dear, Head teacher and Mrs Jacques, Deputy Head teacher. All have completed up to date safer recruitment training.
We expect all our staff to share any concerns they have about staff conduct with the Head teacher. As in all schools, if there are concerns about the conduct of the Head, then these are shared with our Chair of Governors. The staff ‘whistle blowing’ policy has been reviewed and adopted by all staff. All staff attend annual safeguarding training which includes reviewing our Safeguarding, Child Protection and Whistleblowing Policies and the Prevent Duty.
We follow the Hampshire Local Authority Protection Procedures and the Hampshire Safeguarding Children’s Board guidance. We have robust and timely systems in place to share concerns regarding children’s welfare with our Designated Safeguarding Lead, with Parents and with relevant external agencies. Part of our Safeguarding legal duty may also include us needing to consult specifically with, and take advice from, the Police and/or Children’s Social Care services. We ensure that concerns about our children are discussed with their Parents/Carers first unless we have reason to believe that this would be contrary to the welfare of the child.
By working closely together as a staff and with partner agencies we firmly believe that we provide a safe environment for all our children to learn and grow.
Please take the time to read our policies and do not hesitate to contact school should you have any questions about this very serious issue.
Prevent Strategy
As part of Harestock’s commitment to safeguarding and child protection we fully support the Government’s Prevent Strategy, and take guidance to help build resilience to extremism. Mrs Clements has received Home Office approved training (WRAP) and is accredited to provide whole staff training using the Government Prevent materials.
What is the Prevent Strategy?
The Prevent Strategy is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists, supporting terrorism, fundamentalism or extremist behaviours.
It responds to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views.
It provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support.
It works with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health)
All school staff have attended training around the Prevent Duty.
E-Safety
E-Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Harestock Primary School. We have extensive security measures in place to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material. E-Safety is taught to all pupils, through our computing curriculum, explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately online.
We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure that the e-safety message is consistent. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online.
It is essential to be realistic, as banning the internet or technology will not work and it often makes a child less likely to report a problem. Education around safe use is essential.
Support For Parents
Here are some links to support you in starting conversations with you children about about the internet and online safety.
Internet Matters Conversation Starters
There is a lot of external information and support available to you and your family. Here are some links to external websites which we feel are helpful. if you would like further support or to discuss this with us, we are very happy to help you.
E-Safety Guidance from Hampshire Local AuthoritySafeguarding Children - free online safety adviceGoogle E-Safety
NSPCC website - support for parents and children
