Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment

Kings Priory School Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We believe that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to protection from abuse and harm.

This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of the Trust.

2. Key Principles

• The welfare of children is paramount
• All children have the right to protection from abuse
• All concerns and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly
• We will work in partnership with children, parents, and other agencies
• We are committed to safe recruitment practices
• We will provide appropriate training and support

3. Recognizing Abuse

We recognize that abuse can take many forms:

Physical Abuse

Hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment causing severe and persistent adverse effects on a child's emotional development.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.

Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of health or development.

4. Reporting Procedures

If you have concerns about a child's welfare:

1. Report immediately to our Designated Safeguarding Lead
2. Record your concerns in writing as soon as possible
3. Do not investigate the matter yourself
4. Maintain confidentiality on a need-to-know basis

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: James Thompson - Treasurer

6. Safe Recruitment

We ensure safe recruitment through:

• Enhanced DBS checks for all trustees and staff
• Taking up references and verifying identity
• Safeguarding training for all personnel
• Regular review of recruitment practices
• Clear role descriptions and person specifications

7. Training and Support

All trustees and staff receive:

• Safeguarding awareness training within 3 months of appointment
• Regular updates on safeguarding procedures
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Support following any safeguarding incidents

8. Information Sharing

We will share information about safeguarding concerns with appropriate agencies when it is in the best interests of the child. This may include:

• Local Authority Children's Services
• Police
• Schools and educational settings
• Health services
• Other relevant agencies

9. Online Safety

We recognize the risks posed by online activities and will:

• Ensure appropriate filtering and monitoring systems
• Educate about online safety risks
• Have clear policies on social media use
• Report online abuse to appropriate authorities

10. Complaints and Concerns

If you have concerns about how a safeguarding matter has been handled, please contact our Chair of Trustees. If your concern is about the Chair, please contact the Charity Commission.

We take all complaints seriously and will investigate thoroughly while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.

11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, and best practice.

Next review date: January 2025

12. Contact Information