Safeguarding at
Lythe CEVC School
We are committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school and, through our policies, procedures and attitudes, strive to promote a culture of shared responsibility for all aspects of safeguarding. All North Yorkshire schools, including Lythe CEVC School, follow the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures.
We work hard to ensure that:
- we employ staff and volunteers who are suitable to work with children
- our policies and procedures are understood and adhered to by all staff at all times
- there are clear expectations and boundaries for behaviour of children, staff and volunteers
- children are taught strategies for recognising and dealing with dangers.
- all staff and volunteers are confident in dealing with concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, and that there are rigorous procedures in place for following up concerns.
The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their child/ren. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents. The school’s child protection policy is available on request from the school office or can be viewed by clicking on the link under Important Documents below.
What can I do if I am worried about a child?
If parents, staff or volunteers have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, the main point of contact in school is Lisa Armstrong, who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or Farrah Jackson who is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. The governor with responsibility for overseeing child protection matters is Josie Owen. Staff should use CPOMs to record any concern; the paper-based reporting system is still in place if it can't be accessed for any reason, or for visitors.
This is in line with our child protection policy, but if you do not feel able to talk to the school, or are unable to contact staff for any reason, then you can telephone the Children's Social Care Contact Centre on 01609 536993, or contact the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership at any time. Documents and information about reporting concerns are also available in the safeguarding file in the staffroom.
If you are worried that a child is at risk of immediate harm, contact the police at once.
The school uses CPOMS for recording and monitoring child protection, safeguarding, pastoral and welfare issues. Staff use the safeguarding procedures described in our school policy, and ensure that all concerns are shared on the same day with the Safeguarding Lead, her deputy, and other relevant members of staff.
Important Documents
All staff, governors and volunteers must read these documents and complete the online reflection form to say that they understand and agree to abide by the contents.
Child Protection / Safeguarding Policy September 2022
Child Protection Handbook September 2022
Whistleblowing Policy July 2021
Safer Working Practices February 2022
Working together to Safeguard Children September 2018 - Updated Dec 2020
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused March 2015
Information Sharing July 2018
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) Full document September 2022
Low Level Concerns Policy September 2022
Child on Child Abuse Policy September 2022
Online Safety Policy (including Social Media policy and Acceptable Use Agreements) September 2022
Staff Code of Conduct July 2021
Sharing nudes or semi nudes advice September 2021
Other Important Documents
Pupil Behaviour Regulation Policy July 2022
Children not collected from school July 2021
Child leaving school premises (including trips) March 2021
Intimate Care Policy July 2020
Training and Information
NYCC guidelines for dealing with prejudice-based incidents
News and Updates from NYSCB
Basic Safeguarding Awareness Training
Prevent, Channel and Making a Prevent Referral 2022
Forced Marriage online training
FGM online training
Managing low-level concerns about staff September 2021
Managing allegations about staff flowchart September 2021
NYCSB Threshold Guidance September 2021
When to call the Police
For staff and governor links to e-safety training and safeguarding updates, please email Lisa Armstrong.