“Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility”

Children have a right to be cared for and protected, protecting them is everyone’s responsibility. Here at Fernhurst Primary School we have a duty of care to ensure that all users of the school are kept safe from harm.  We are committed to provide a secure and supportive environment in which children can develop and grow into mature and responsible people.  Safeguarding children is an essential part of our holistic approach to ensure that children are protected from abuse and neglect and that every child reaches their full potential.

The school’s staff, volunteers and service providers have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children as a shared responsibility with parents and other carers. To support this statement, the school may signpost to services that are specialised to promote opportunity, prevent problems, act early and act effectively if and when concerns arise. Therefore, whilst we do not want to worry you, we will report to Children’s Social Care if we have any reason to believe that a child may be at risk of suffering abuse or neglect.

Parents/carers are normally our first point of contact, and if a suspicion of abuse is recorded, parents/carers will be informed at the same time that the record is made; we will support parents/carers and ensure we work in collaboration with them to protect children.  Working with parents/carers to prevent abuse is our primary aim but where there is a concern,  a referral be made to West Sussex so that the right support and guidance can be put in place.  When a referral is made, parents will be notified beforehand, except when guidance from social care or the police does not allow this or when the school are unable to make contact with parents.

We cannot safeguard children alone. All children’s services agencies work in partnership with each other. There are duties and rules about information sharing but if staff, parents or carers have any concerns about a child, other parent, provider, agency or any person, they have a responsibility to report those concerns and we must record and act on them We have a University of Chichester Academy Trust Child Protection policy which is underpinned by the West Sussex, Hampshire and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Board Procedures and the document “Working Together to Safeguard Children” and Safer Recruitment guidance.  The policy applies to all children and young people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or religion.  It is a requirement that all users are informed of these policies and practice guidance and what they should do if they have concerns. The safeguarding policy is available from the school office or on our policy page.

If you have any concerns about the practice of our staff team please speak to the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) (Miss Sarah Allen, Mrs Jennifer Thornton or Ms Nikki Ludlam)..

What you can do

Parents and carers play a role in safeguarding children in their community. If you have any concerns, no matter how small, you should report them to someone who you trust will listen.  The school is required to have a Designated Safeguarding Lead for this purpose.  Parents and children should speak to the safeguarding officer if they have any concerns about a child or staff member.

If you think a child or young person may be in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise contact West Sussex Integrated Front Door to discuss your concerns with the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team on 01403 229 900 

Their role is to:

• Research information held on professional databases to inform decisions.
• Continuing to provide support to professionals working in Early Help. Especially identifying families who need key working services, and family network responses.
• Providing a secure and confidential environment for professionals to share information.
• Identifying low–level repeat referrals which taken in isolation may not appear concerning, but do when the child’s journey is reviewed.
• You can call or complete an online form to request support. If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

Mobile phones and smart watches

Mobile phone and smart watch technology has advanced significantly over the last few years and continues to evolve. Many phones and smart watches now offer internet and e-mail access, alongside standard functions of messaging, camera, video and sound recording.

Smartwatches are therefore not permitted to be worn to school, as staff are unable to monitor them closely enough to ensure they are being used appropriately. However, in line with our passion for helping children to tell the time, a standard analogue or digital wrist watch may be worn. If you are unsure whether your child’s watch is appropriate, please speak to the office.

If your child walks to and from school, you may decide that they should have a mobile phones with them.  All mobile phones need to be handed into the office at the start of the day and collected at the end of the day.  If your child has a smart watch,  they also need to hand this into the office.  

We ask that parents talk to their children about the inappropriate use of messages sent by mobile phone, as they can often be used to upset, intimidate or bully other pupils. This may be via text messaging, via apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger, and through online gaming devices. When it is deemed appropriate – particularly when it affects other pupils or staff members or the normal functioning of school – the school will apply the behaviour policy in relation to inappropriate use of mobile phones outside of school.

Please note that the school cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to any personal items brought to school.