Safeguarding at Forest Edge

At the Forest Edge Learning Federation, we regard the safeguarding of children as our main priority. We believe that we all have the right to be happy, to be safe and to learn. We all have the responsibility to make this happen.

Members of Staff Responsible
We are all responsible for ensuring that each child remains safe, however Tracy Allen is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), with Meg Coombes, Sarah Newman, Clare Ingram, Alison Silver and Clare O'Keefe as deputies. All have received DSL training from Hampshire County Council and attend refresher training. 

What does a DSL do?
The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead was specified in the Children Act and ensured the every organisation had a “named person” for safeguarding children and young people. Prior to that, the role had frequently been known as the Child Protection Officer. The Designated Safeguarding Lead has a responsibility at both a strategic level within the organisation and on a day to day basis.

Key Aspects of the Designated Lead role includes:
Making sure all staff are aware how to raise safeguarding concerns
Ensuring  all staff understand the symptoms of child abuse and neglect
Referring  any concerns to social care
Monitoring children who are the subject of child protection plans
Maintaining accurate and secure child protection records

Staff Training
Staff are trained in child protection issues and they are aware of the procedures to follow. Staff training is delivered via a variety of means: face to face in and out of school training, online refreshers and information raising, document sharing and on-going professional dialogues during staff meetings. Staff are encouraged to be vigilant in order to maintain the safety of our children and their concerns are discussed and handled appropriately.

Safer Recruitment
We follow strict procedures to ensure that everyone who works with our children is vetted, keeping our children as safe as possible. At least one senior member of staff is qualified in Safer Recruitment Procedures and governors responsible for recruitment.

​E-Safety
E-Safety is a key aspect of our duty to keep children safe - both inside and outside of school. Take a look at our e-safety policy within our 'Policies' section for further detail, but for parents and carers there is a wealth of online information which can be accessed in order to help to keep children safe online.
Below are some useful links which can provide useful and impartial information.

NSPCC Online Safety
ThinkuKnow
​
If you have any concerns outside of school hours, or feel it more appropriate to make a referral to Social Services directly, please contact Hampshire Children's Services  0300 555 1384.
 
​See below for our key safeguarding documents.

Safeguarding across the curriculum

Pupil safeguarding and the promotion of fundamental British Values are of primary importance at schools within the Forest Edge Learning Federation. We are fully aware of the need to support children across a range of safeguarding matters, as well as support issues specifically related to the local context. Importance is placed on identifying opportunities in the taught curriculum for children to learn about safeguarding. Our curriculum gives pupils opportunities to experience life in all its diversity, to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that significantly impact on personal development, behaviour and welfare. It equips every child with the knowledge and skills required for personal safeguarding. We have developed an open and safe learning environment in which pupils express their views, seek help and help others. Staff and children are quick to challenge stereotypes and the use of derogatory language in lessons and around school. Time is taken at the beginning of every new school year to reaffirm each school’s values and expectations for learning. This good start to the year, with everyone clear about their roles and responsibilities, sets the tone for the rest of the year and leads to excellent safeguarding outcomes.