Safeguarding
The school will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child and family. We have the following in place to protect our children:
- all staff have been trained to identify signs of abuse
- there are clear procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child
- there are designated staff responsible for dealing with child protection
- there are safe recruitment practices for all new staff and volunteers
- all students and volunteers receive appropriate induction and supervision
- there are statutory and relevant policies including a child protection policy, whistle-blowing policy and a staff code of conduct; these are regularly updated and part of our everyday practice
We listen to and work closely with our staff, families and children so that everyone feels safe and protected in our school environment. Where appropriate, we will work with other agencies to provide support to anyone who needs it.
Important guidance from the Government is provided in:
E-Safety – keeping children safe online
The internet offers a means to share and communicate in a variety of different ways. Hirst Wood Nursery School supports children to use computers as part of their learning experience; we talk to children about ensuring that they are aware of internet safety, and that the sites that children access when they are in the school are completely safe.
Parents and carers need to take equal care at home:
• Keep the computer/laptop in a communal area so that you can keep an eye on what your child is accessing
• Use an appropriate filtering system to minimise opportunities to access unsuitable material – if you are in doubt about the filtering system you have in place you can contact your service provider to discuss how you can limit access to inappropriate internet sites e.g. pornography or gambling websites.
These are some helpful websites to explore further, or report problems:
There are child safe search engines available:
Below are further useful resources for you to refer to:
Stay safe on social media poster
Families’ check list for keeping children safe online
Age restrictions for social media platforms poster
PANTS & The Underwear Rule.
Learning about staying safe, keeping our private parts private and respecting the right to privacy - supported by content from NSPCC. As part of our safeguarding children remit, we will introduce PANTS.
Talk PANTS helps children understand that their body belongs to them, and they should tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried. We will, of course, ask for your consent for children to be involved.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7dOy1ofu5AIViLTtCh2jXQpkEAAYASAAEgIO4PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Prevent Duty
With effect from 1.7.15 all schools and early years childcare providers are subject to a duty under Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015). This means that in the exercise of their functions they should have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism – this duty is known as the Prevent Duty.
The Prevent Duty outlines how schools can build pupils’ resilience by promoting the fundamental British Values of Democracy (making decisions together), Rule of Law (understanding rules matter), Individual Freedom (liberty for all) and Mutual respect and tolerance (treat others how you would want to be treated).
Hirst Wood Nursery School is committed to the promotion of values that embrace tolerance and understanding between children, families and the wider community. We place great importance on equality, shared responsibility and mutual respect. These values are further embedded through our ethos, policies and procedures interwoven with the themes and principles of the EYFS Statutory Framework (2020, updated January 2024).
Please speak to a member of staff if you hear or see anything that you feel compromises this commitment.