At The Colman Schools, we consider safeguarding to be everyone’s responsibility and as such our aim is to create an environment within which every pupil has the opportunity to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.

Through a broad and balanced curriculum (including Personal, Social, Health and Careers Education (PSHEE), assemblies, academic tutoring) we aim to create an atmosphere in which everyone, regardless of race, creed, gender, culture or ability, is aware of their right to be valued, respected, listened to and believed. We wish all pupils to know that they do not have to accept the actions of others towards them without question and that they are entitled to share their concerns within or outside the school community.

A safe learning environment

We understand our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in our care and those who work here. Through our work we aim to ensure a safe learning and working environment for pupils, staff and visitors alike.  We take our responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection very seriously. Where there are safeguarding concerns, staff communicate this to the school. Designated Safeguarding Leads immediately.  Access to our site is closely monitored.  All adults who come into contact with our children and young people, including visiting professionals, are appropriately checked.  Additionally, all staff and governors are required to complete a Staff Disqualification Declaration.

Our recruitment procedures follow ‘Safer Recruitment’ guidelines. Staff receive regular training and updates on their professional responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection.  In addition, we work very closely with other professionals to ensure our children and young people are kept safe.

All visitors must enter the school site via the reception area where they will be asked to sign the Visitor’s Book and issued with a colour coded Visitor’s Badge and a copy of our Safeguarding Leaflet.

Please read the attached Child Protection Procedures for further information.

Working in partnership

There are occasions when our concern about a child means that we have to consult other agencies.  Unauthorised absences, for instance, may be referred to partner agencies such as Suffolk County Council’s Children’s Social Care, Special Educational Needs or Children Missing in Education teams. Whilst we would always aim to work in partnership with parents there may be exceptions to this when concerns are raised for the protection of a child.

Useful Resources

In addition to our Child Protection Procedures available in the attachments section the following documents and websites have a variety of information which you may also find helpful: