At Calmore Junior School, the safety and well-being of our students are of the utmost importance. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where every child can learn and grow. Our safeguarding practices ensure that all children are protected from harm and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We take a proactive and comprehensive approach to safeguarding and promote the welfare of all children in our care. Our staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures and are vigilant in identifying signs of abuse or neglect. We work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to provide the support and guidance necessary to keep children safe.

Our Safeguarding Policy

Our Safeguarding Policy outlines how we protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect. This policy is regularly reviewed to ensure it is in line with the latest guidance and legislation. It details the roles and responsibilities of staff, how concerns should be reported, and the procedures followed when there is a safeguarding concern.

Key Safeguarding Contacts

At Calmore Junior School, we have a team of trained professionals who are always available to support children and families. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns and ensuring the safety of all students.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Miss C. Ingram (Headteacher)
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr. N. Darch and Mr. A. Vaughan
• Safeguarding Governor: R. Lethbridge

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child at Calmore Junior School, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Safeguarding Procedures

If a concern about a child’s safety arises, we take the following steps:

1. Listen and Record: If a child shares a concern with a member of staff, they are listened to in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. All concerns are recorded accurately and promptly.

2. Assessment: The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will assess the situation and decide on the next steps. This may involve speaking with the child, contacting parents or carers, or referring to external agencies if necessary.

3. External Support: If there is a serious concern, we will work with external agencies such as Social Services, the Police, or Child Protection Teams to ensure the child’s safety.

We are dedicated to acting quickly and effectively to ensure any child at risk is protected and supported appropriately.

Online Safety

In today’s digital world, online safety is a vital aspect of safeguarding. We educate our children about the potential risks of online activity and encourage them to use technology responsibly. Our curriculum includes lessons on how to stay safe online, including how to protect personal information, recognise online bullying, and report inappropriate content. We also use robust filtering and monitoring systems to safeguard children while they are using technology at school.

We work with our internet provider (Agile ICT) to provide safe access to the Internet within school. The school have a filtering Internet solution based on a service provided by AgileInternet filtering. We utilise an Ofsted approve model to ensure Children are safe online, no filtering solution is 100% effective but AgileInternet filtering provides adjustable and comprehensive filtering for all level of users within school.

• The filtering within school process and scans all search/access requests to ensure they are allowed via defined lists and categories.
• The school receive regular reports to understand usage of said sites.
• The school’s service includes monitoring and managed firewalls to mitigate the risk of Cyber threats.

Supporting Mental Health and Well-being

We recognise that safeguarding is not just about protecting children from physical harm but also supporting their emotional well-being. Our school is committed to promoting mental health and ensuring that children feel supported in dealing with any challenges they may face. We offer a range of services to support children and can signpost families to access external mental health professionals when needed.

Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers

We believe that safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we work closely with parents and carers to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. We encourage open communication and invite parents to approach us with any concerns they may have about their child’s safety, well-being, or emotional health.

We also provide regular updates and information on safeguarding issues through newsletters, workshops, and our website, so that parents and carers are well-informed and know how to support their children.

Preventing Bullying

Bullying of any kind is not tolerated at Calmore Junior School. We take all reports of bullying seriously and investigate them thoroughly. We work with children to promote kindness, empathy, and respect and provide support for those who have been affected by bullying. Through our strong anti-bullying curriculum and regular awareness campaigns, we aim to create a positive and safe environment for all students.

Accessing inappropriate content at home

In today’s digital age, many children have access to internet-enabled devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or games consoles. While the internet offers countless opportunities for learning and entertainment, it also provides access to adult and inappropriate content that may not be suitable for young minds. Without the proper safeguards in place, children may be exposed to harmful material.

At Calmore Junior School, we believe it is important to support parents and carers in ensuring that children are using technology safely at home. We strongly recommend that parents take steps to monitor their child’s internet use and set up appropriate parental controls. By using monitoring software and exercising parental controls, you can limit the access your child has to unsuitable content and ensure a safer online environment.

Steps to Protect Your Child Online:

1. Install Monitoring Software: Many devices and platforms offer free or affordable monitoring software that allows you to track and control what your child can access online. These tools can help you block adult content, limit screen time, and monitor social media activity.

2. Use Parental Controls: All major internet service providers, mobile networks, and gaming platforms offer free parental control tools. These controls allow you to restrict access to age-inappropriate material and set limits on screen time, gaming, and internet use.

3. Discuss Online Safety with Your Child: Communication is key. Have regular conversations with your child about the importance of being safe online, what to do if they come across something uncomfortable, and how to report any concerns. Encourage them to speak to you if they encounter anything upsetting.

4. Set Boundaries and Screen Time Limits: Setting clear rules about when and how long your child can use devices can help minimise exposure to inappropriate content. Encourage a healthy balance of offline activities such as reading, sports, and socialising.

We are here to support you and your child in navigating the online world safely. If you need further advice on how to set up parental controls or monitoring software, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can ensure that children stay safe and enjoy a positive online experience.

Support For Parents

Are you worried about your child?

Please use the following links to support you in safeguarding your child:

Children's mental health and well-being

Help with Bullying

NSPCC Preventing Abuse

NCPSS Share Aware Campaign

Tips about Social Media

Worried about your child because you are getting divorced?

Your child's safety is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.