Safeguarding & Child Protection

At Utterby Primary Academy we recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. It is our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in need or at risk and ensure their voice is heard at all times.

We will be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and we will follow our procedures and policies to ensure that children receive effective support and protection.

We ensure:

- a safe and secure environment for children

- we respond promptly to suspicions of abuse by following appropriate procedures

- we help children acquire the skills and knowledge to protect themselves

All adults within our setting have received rigorous training around safeguarding, child protection and anti-radicalisation and are able to promote good values whilst recognising the need for critical early intervention.


If you have a concern about a child, particularly if you think s/he may be suffering or is at risk of suffering harm, it is your responsibility to share the information promptly with the Designated Safeguarding Leads or an appropriate member of staff in their absence –

- Mr Tom Hawkins – Executive Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead

- Mrs Paula Ellemore – Assistant Head & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

- Mrs Julie Childs - Senior Teacher

- Mrs Karen Grant – School Business Manager

If none of the above named people are available please inform another member of staff within the school such as a teacher, teaching assistant, member of the school office or lunchtime supervisor.

Forms for recording any concerns are available in the school office.

If you have concerns relating to a member of the school staff and feel a direct report to the local safeguarding agencies to be more appropriate, please call:

Lincolnshire Children’s Safeguarding Team

- 01522 782111 (8am – 6pm)

- 01522 782333 (24 hour emergency line)

The following is not an exhaustive list, but you might become concerned as a result of:

- Seeing a physical injury which you believe to be non-accidental

- Observing something in the appearance of a student which leads you to think his/her needs are being neglected

- Witnessing behaviour which gives rise to concern

- A student telling you or overhearing that they have been subjected to some form of abuse

We keep children safe by:

  • Having an up to date child protection policy.

  • Checking the suitability of all our staff and volunteers that regularly work with children through stringent checking procedures.

  • Have an open door policy where concerns can be shared in confidence.

  • Ensure all our staff have up to date child protection and safeguarding training.

  • Share information with appropriate agencies if we have concerns.

  • Have three identified members of staff who have responsibility for safeguarding.

What do I do if I have a concern about the safety, care or welfare of a child or young person?

If you have a concern about a child or young person, you can contact our designated child protection leaders Mr Hawkins (Executive Headteacher) or Mrs Ellemore (Assistant Head).

However please speak to any member of staff if you have a concern you think needs sharing as they will inform the relevant person.

Or you can:

  • Contact Lincolnshire Children's Services During office hours - 8.45am to 5.15pm (4.45pm Friday) telephone 01522 782111

  • In an emergency, outside office hours (including weekends or Bank Holidays) telephone 01522 782333

  • Report a concern online via Lincolnshire Local Safeguarding Children Board website Lincolnshire LSCB Website

  • Contact the police on 101 or 999 if in an emergency.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OR WELLBEING OF ANY CHILD YOU KNOW, YOU SHOULD ACT WITHOUT DELAY.

Many people worry that their concerns or suspicions may be wrong or that they are interfering unnecessarily or that someone else might report it. Our advice would be to report in any case to the school or Lincolnshire Children's Services team where they can give advice and the professionals can process the information you have.

Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility and it is always better to be safe and report a concern, as your information may be part of a much bigger picture.

What are the signs of child abuse?

No parent ever wants to think about the possibility of their child (or any child) becoming a victim of abuse, and most children never have to experience this. Even so, it is important for parents to be aware of the possibility and to know that help is available if the unthinkable happens. If you notice anything that concerns you, talk to your child to see if you can find out what is happening.

Remember, if your child is being harmed in any way, they may be too frightened or reluctant to talk to you. If your child becomes distressed or you are not happy with the explanations, you could talk to an adult you trust or call a helpline or children’s services for advice.

Staff in school will always be at hand if you wanted to discuss your concerns.

Some signs to look out for are:

  • Bruises or other injuries;

  • A change in behaviour – from quiet to loud, or from happy to withdrawn;

  • Pain or discomfort;

  • Fear of a particular person, or a reluctance to be alone with them;

  • Secrecy around a relationship with a particular person;

  • Reluctance to discuss where they go, or who they are with;

  • Sexual talk or knowledge beyond their years;

  • Being watchful, or always on edge, losing interest in their appearance, hobbies or family life;

  • Alcohol or drug taking;

  • Having money and refusing to say where it has come from;

  • Wetting the bed;

  • Becoming clingy.

Types of Abuse -

There are many types of abuse. These include physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.

Physical Abuse:

Physical abuse is deliberately hurting a child causing injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns or cuts.

It isn’t accidental – children who are physically abused suffer violence such as being hit, kicked, poisoned, burned, slapped or having objects thrown at them. Shaking or hitting babies can cause non-accidental head injuries (NAHI). Sometimes parents or carers will make up or cause the symptoms of illness in their child, perhaps giving them medicine they don’t need and making the child unwell this is known as fabricated or induced illness (FII) (previously commonly referred to as Münchhausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSbP)). There is no excuse for physically abusing a child. It causes serious, and often long-lasting harm and, in severe cases, death.

Emotional Abuse:

Emotional abuse is the on-going emotional maltreatment or emotional neglect of a child. It’s sometimes called psychological abuse and can seriously damage a child emotional health and development.

Emotional abuse can involve deliberately trying to scare or humiliate a child or isolating or ignoring them. Children who are emotionally abused are usually suffering another type of abuse or neglect at the same time but this isn’t always the case.

Sexual Abuse:

A child is sexually abused when they are forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities. This doesn’t have to be physical contact and it can happen online. Sometimes the child won’t understand that what’s happening to them is abuse. They may not even understand that it’s wrong.


Neglect:

Neglect is the on-going failure to meet a child’s basic needs and is the most common form of child abuse. A child may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care. A child may be put in danger or not protected from physical or emotional harm. They may not get the love, care and attention they need from their parents.

A child who’s neglected will often suffer from other abuse as well. Neglect is dangerous and can cause serious, long-term damage – even death.

There are many other types of abuse. Visit the NSPCC website for more information.

FGM, Female Circumcision and Cutting

It has been estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM in the UK each year, and that 66,000 women in the UK are living with the consequences of FGM. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a growing cause of concern in schools.

FGM is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls, and therefore it is dealt with as part of existing child and adult safeguarding/protection structures, policies and procedures. It is illegal in the UK to subject a child to female genital mutilation (FGM) or to take a child abroad to undergo the procedure – Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Despite the harm it causes, FGM practicing communities consider it normal to protect their cultural identity. The age at which girls are subject to FGM varies greatly from shortly after birth to any time up to adulthood. The average age is 10 to 12 years.

Any female child born to a woman or has a sister who has been subjected to FGM will be considered to be at risk, as much as other female children in the extended family. Any information or concern that a child is at risk of FGM will result in a child protection referral to Lincolnshire Children's Services.

Prevent Duty Statement

On 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty (section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty places the responsibility on local authorities and schools to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

Utterby Primary Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is as important as safeguarding against any other vulnerability.

All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We believe that children should be given the opportunity to explore diversity and understand Britain as a multi-cultural society; everyone should be treated with respect whatever their race, gender, sexuality, religious belief, special need, or disability.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and child protection we fully support the government's Prevent Strategy and endeavour to uphold its principles throughout the teaching of all subjects.