Under the Education Act 2002 (Section 175 for maintained schools/Section 157 for academies/free/independent schools), schools must make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  Parents/carers should know that the law (Children Act 1989) requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.  Staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer and discuss the need to make a referral to Children’s Social Care if that is considered necessary.  This will only be done where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm or cause undue delay.  The school will seek advice from Children’s Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.  Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later found to be unfounded.  Parents/carers will appreciate that the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead carries out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acts in the best interests of all children.

Exhall Juniors has a system in place where any causes for concern are passed on using a standard form to the Head Teacher (and/or DSLs).  Causes for concern can include attendance, welfare, a disclosure (where a child passes comment or talks about a situation), changes in behaviour and extreme behaviour.

The Head Teacher (and/or DSLs) then decides on the most appropriate course of action, which could include a meeting with parents, consulting outside agencies, referral to appropriate agencies or ongoing monitoring.

The school follows the Warwickshire Local Safeguarding Children Board Inter-Agency Child Protection Procedures, distributed to all schools.

Our aim is to communicate with parents where possible, and we try to ensure that open and honest dialogue takes place.  We fully understand that these conversations can be difficult, but please be assured that everything is treated in the strictest confidence.

Our policy is reviewed annually with the Governing Board and can be found below, along with other relevant policies.  A hard copy of any of our policies will be made available on request.