SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding Statement

Haselbury Plucknett Primary School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in our school. We believe that pupils have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse; where staff are vigilant for signs of any pupil in distress and are confident about applying safeguarding processes to avert and alleviate any such problems. Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm – safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment – and that we all feel safe in our environment.

If you are ever concerned about the safety or well‐being of someone at our school please talk to one of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

Haselbury Plucknett Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers, Governors and parents to share this commitment. This means that we have a Child Protection Policy and procedures in place. Parents and carers are welcome to read the Policy on request. Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare. If a member of staff is concerned about a child’s welfare, they will record their concern, and any observations or conversation heard and report to one of the DSLs as soon as possible the same day. If there are concerns which relate to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff (which could suggest that s/he is unsuitable to work with children) then this will be reported to one of the DSLs in confidence, who will refer the matter to the Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher) who will consider what action to take. If you feel concerned about informing a member of the school community please contact: Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2234

Operation Encompass

Our school is proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that supports children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. This scheme operates in partnership between schools and police forces across the country.

Through Operation Encompass, schools are notified—prior to the start of the next school day—when a child has been exposed to a domestic abuse incident. This timely sharing of information enables us to offer immediate and appropriate support to the child.

At our school, a trained member of staff, our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), acts as the Key Adult for Operation Encompass. This individual has received specific training in the procedures and protocols of the scheme, allowing us to handle shared information sensitively and confidentially, always with the child’s wellbeing at the heart of our response.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children who witness domestic abuse as victims in their own right. More recently, the Victims and Prisoners Act, which received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024, has placed Operation Encompass into law. This means police forces now have a statutory duty to share relevant notifications with schools.

We are committed to providing the highest level of care and support to all our pupils. Operation Encompass strengthens our ability to respond swiftly and compassionately, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and understood.

https://www.operationencompass.org/

Knife Harm Guide for Parents & Carers: 

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