Safeguarding

If you have any concerns about the welfare of our children, please speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Mrs. Smith

Or any of our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:

Mr. Forward
Mrs. Phelps
Mrs. Ruth

Or call MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) 01202 123334

(out of Hours: 01202 738256)

Safeguarding at Malmesbury Park

‘We are an Operation Encompass School’

The Governors recognise that children have a fundamental right to be protected from harm or exploitation and that pupils cannot learn effectively unless they feel secure. The governors will, therefore, provide a school environment which promotes self-confidence, a feeling of worth and the knowledge that pupil’s concerns will be listened to and acted upon.

Governors, staff and volunteers in this school understand the importance of working in partnership with children, their parents/ carers and other agencies in order to promote children’s welfare.

The Governors will also ensure that the school carries out its statutory duties to report suspected Child Abuse to the Children’s Services Directorate (Social Care) and to assist that Directorate by acting on behalf of children in need or enquiring into allegations of child abuse. Schools recognise the contribution they can make to protect and support pupils in their care.

The Local Authority is committed to ensuring that best practice is adopted when working with all children and young people, offering them support and protection and accepts that it has a legal and moral responsibility to implement procedures, to provide a duty of care for young people, to safeguard their well-being and to protect them from abuse.

School Policies and Information

All Safeguarding policies for Reach South Trust can be found here.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, Psychological, Physical, Sexual, Financial and Emotional abuse.

Research indicates that living within a home where domestic abuse takes place is harmful to children and can have a serious impact on their behaviour, wellbeing and understanding of what constitutes a normal relationship. Children witnessing domestic abuse is recognised as ‘significant harm’ in law. These children may become aggressive; display anti-social behaviours; suffer from depression or anxiety; or fail to reach their educational potential.

At Malmesbury Park we recognise that pupils who are the subjects of abuse, neglect or who live in situations of domestic abuse may exhibit distressed or challenging behaviour and may not be reaching their full academic potential. We will therefore endeavour to make sure that appropriate support mechanisms are in place in school.

This school receives information from the police to alert the Designated Safeguarding Lead in the school when there has been an incident of domestic abuse in a household where a pupil lives. We are not informed of the detail of the incident, only that one has occurred. This allows us to monitor and support the pupil. If we have additional concerns, we will discuss the need for further safeguarding actions with Social Care or the police. This information would only be shared with other staff on a restricted need to know basis i.e. those who are immediately responsible for the pupil’s welfare such as the class teacher. Where a Multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC) occurs the school may be asked for information and appropriate school related information may be shared with the school after the meeting.

If you need help you can contact:

National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) 0800 970 2070
The National 24 Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247

Or for local support and advice, access the link below:

Domestic Abuse Support helplines

Anti-bullying Philosophy

We are committed to creating a safe, happy and inclusive school where every child feels valued and supported. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. Through our shared values of kindness, respect and resilience, we teach children how to care for one another, celebrate differences and resolve conflicts positively. We encourage pupils to speak up, support each other and develop the confidence to stand against unkind behaviour, knowing that they will always be listened to and supported.

Online Safety at Malemesbury Park

The internet plays an essential role in 21st-century life, supporting education, communication and social interaction. As children progress through the school, their access to technology increases and, naturally, so does their curiosity and independence online.

While the benefits of the digital world far outweigh the risks, it is vital that children, schools and parents work together to understand and manage potential online dangers. At Malmesbury Park, we teach online safety in every year group at an age-appropriate level through our Computing and PSHE curriculum.

The safe and responsible use of the internet and social media is also reinforced across other curriculum areas where relevant. Assemblies are used to raise pupils’ awareness of online risks, and we may invite external speakers to further support children in understanding how to stay safe online.

How much time should children be spending online?

Please take a look at the links below which will provide you with more information and advice.

How much time should I spend online? | Childnet

Screen time: what do parents need to know? — Parent Zone – Parents' area

Screen Time - UK Safer Internet Centre

Online Safety Links

Other helpful Safeguarding Information for Parents

Follow the links below to find out further information about a range of safeguarding issues and topics.

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