Safeguarding
“Leaders have created a strong culture of safeguarding…Pupils know who they can speak to if they are feeling worried or anxious.”
Ofsted, 2023
At Alma Park, child protection is our highest priority. Our staff recognise that they each have a full and active role to play in protecting our pupils from harm. Working together, we strive to create a safe and supportive learning environment which promotes the social, physical and moral development of every child in our care.
This responsibility extends to every member of our school community. It is important that any concerns are reported without delay to the Safeguarding Team, who will ensure they are effectively dealt with in line with our school policies.
Parents and carers should be aware that the law requires schools to respond to any concerns regarding child protection. Reporting such incidents to Children’s Services is a statutory requirement and is not a matter for the discretion of individual Headteachers or members of staff.
What is safeguarding?
Schools have a statutory responsibility to keep children safe from harm. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) defines safeguarding as:
- Protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
- Preventing harm to children’s health or development
- Ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes
Please view the relevant policies below.
Key terms
Abuse
Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
A certificate of checks carried out on those working with children and vulnerable people. Those who work regularly with children require a more in-depth DBS check.
Safer Recruitment
Recruiting staff using thorough checks on their suitability to work with children, including the right to work in the UK, and mental and physical fitness to carry out their responsibilities.
Reporting a concern
If you are worried about the safety of a child then, in the first instance, you should phone the Manchester Contact Centre on 0161 234 5001 and speak to a Contact Officer. For further guidance, please visit our section on how to report a concern.
Meet the Safeguarding Team
Richard Williams
Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Contact Number: 0161 224 8789
Email: head@almapark.manchester.sch.uk
Kathy Hughes
Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Contact Number: 0161 224 8789
Email: k.hughes@almapark.manchester.sch.uk
The Role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The role of the Designated Safeguarding Person is specified in the Children Act 2004 to ensure that every organisation has a “named person” for safeguarding children and young people. Previously, the role had been known as the Child Protection Officer.
The Designated Safeguarding Person has a responsibility at both a strategic level within the organisation and on a day to day basis.
Key aspects of the 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
Learn more: Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead