Safeguarding
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Safeguarding Practice+
Staff are skilled at identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer harm. We take appropriate action with the aim of making sure children are kept safe both at home and in our school setting. Each pupil’s welfare is of paramount importance to our school community. We recognise that children may exhibit behaviour that at times 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.
As a school we encourage parents, carers and young people to share any concerns or worries that may affect their safety and wellbeing. Our parents, carers and students see our school as a safe place.
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Safeguarding Updates+
Changes in circumstances and pressure due to COVID-19 means harm to children and vulnerable adults could increase. This might be through domestic abuse, neglect, exploitation, physical, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse, alcohol or drug misuse, or mental health issues. Some children are not being seen regularly by school staff or health professionals, which means it will be harder for them to tell anyone if something is wrong. You’re the eyes and the ears of the community right now, and could be crucial in recognising a child or person who needs help.
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Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Between Children+
We recognise that pupils can abuse their peers and that peer on peer abuse can manifest in many ways, including physical abuse, prejudice-based and discriminatory bullying, on-line bullying, youth produced imagery (sexting), abuse in intimate personal relationships between peers, criminal and sexual exploitation, upskirting, initiation and inappropriate harmful sexualised behaviours, and that it could happen here. It is very clear that this abuse should always be treated seriously, and never just as banter, having a laugh or part of growing up. The Trust have a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence and sexual harassment as it is never acceptable and it will not be tolerated in our schools. All incidents of sexual violence and harassment will be challenged and the safeguarding culture in the Trust ensures that staff and pupils can thrive and feel safe. The Trust recognise that even if there are no reports in our settings it does not mean it is not happening and staff are vigilant to all potential incidents. The Trust will promote an ongoing culture of vigilance to create a safe environment for children. Any concerns around peer on peer abuse must be reported and recorded in line with the child protection procedures outlined in the Safeguarding policy and reported to the designated safeguarding lead or deputy as soon as possible.
All staff at Ethos Academy Trust would like to reassure all parents and carers that we will continue to work openly and transparently to ensure the safety of all our pupils in relation to safeguarding concerns. All concerns are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manor.