Safeguarding
Westways Primary School fully recognises the contribution it must make to protect and support pupils in school. The school follows all the procedures and policies detailed on the Safeguarding Sheffield Children website (click here to view). Copies of these are located in each of our three buildings and staff have access to them via the school’s website.
To view our Safeguarding Policy, please visit the 'Statutory Information & Policies' page. The aim of this policy is to safeguard and promote the welfare, safety, health and guidance of our pupils and adults by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate. The welfare of our pupils and adults is of paramount importance.
Westways recognises that, due to the day-to-day contact with children, school staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. Our school fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect children and support pupils in school. There are three main elements to our Safeguarding Policy:
- Prevention – e.g. positive school atmosphere, teaching and pastoral support to pupils.
- Protection – by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are appropriately recruited, trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns.
- Support – to support children whose welfare has been compromised.
The Westways Primary School safeguarding team is as follows:
Our School has been given the opportunity to take part in a project that will run jointly between schools and South Yorkshire Police. This project is known as Operation Encompass.
Operation Encompass is the notification to schools that a child (under 18) has been exposed to, or involved in, any domestic incident. This will ordinarily be done by the start of the next school day.
Operation Encompass will ensure that a specifically trained member of the school staff, known as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), is informed. The DSL can then use the information, in confidence, to ensure the wellbeing of the child. The school may be able to make provisions or adjustments to assist the young person and their family.
Our school is keen to offer the best support possible to all of our young people and we believe this will be extremely beneficial for all those involved.
Useful Safeguarding Links:
Safeguarding Sheffield Children
Parent Zone - Staying Safe on Minecraft
NSPCC - Keeping Children Safe Online
NSPCC - Keeping Children Safe - Let's Talk PANTS
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023
NSPCC Need-to-know guide: Is My Child Ready To Be Left Alone?