Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. School staff are particularly important as they are in a position to identify concerns early and provide help for children to prevent concerns from escalating. All school and college staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn.

Ashmount recognises that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse. We understand that children who are abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world in a positive way. Whilst at school, behaviour may be challenging and they may exhibit concerning behaviours and at times this may impact on other children either directly or indirectly. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support all of our pupils.

Our school core safeguarding principles are:

• That schools are an important part of the wider safeguarding system for children.
• It is a whole school responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
• All children (defined as those up to the age of 18) have equal rights to protection regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity
• All children have a right to be heard and to have their wishes and feelings taken into account
• All staff understand safe professional practice and adhere to our code of conduct and other associated policies
• All staff have a responsibility to recognise vulnerability in children and act on any concern in accordance with this guidance

Ashmount Safeguarding and CP Policy 2024

Please note that the procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff (including teaching and non-teaching, temporary staff and volunteers) and governors and are consistent with the London Child Protection Procedures, 2019.