Safeguarding & Child Protection

Safeguarding Statement of Intent

Brigshaw Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all children regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. All adults in our schools have a full and active part to play in protecting our children from harm, and that the child or young person’s welfare is our paramount concern.  We ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate training to recognise, identify and respond to safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people.  All necessary steps are taken to ensure that adults in school are working in a safe way.

All staff are encouraged to adopt an attitude of “it could happen here”

You can find our full Safeguarding Statement of Intent at the bottom of this page.

To report a concern if you are a member of the public

During office hours

You can call Children’s Social Work Services on 0113 222 4403 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). This should be your first point of call and you can remain anonymous if you choose.

You can also discuss your concerns with someone who works with children and families, e.g. your health visitor, social worker, school nurse or teacher (all schools have a teacher responsible for child protection).

We work closely with other agencies. The Domestic violence and abuse school notification project has been designed to provide confidential notification to schools on any incidents of domestic violence and abuse which occur within a child’s household that might have an impact on a child whilst they are in school.

We will ensure that a member of the school staff is trained to allow them to use the information that has been shared, in confidence, and ensure that the school is able to make provision for possible difficulties experienced by children, or their families, who have been involved in or witnessed a domestic violence or abuse incident.

We are keen to offer the best support possible to our pupils and we believe this is going to be extremely beneficial for all those involved. If you would like further support or information about domestic violence and abuse please go to Leeds Domestic Violence and Abuse.

Need advice around supporting your child/children online? https://parentzone.org.uk/ https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

Out of office hours

If you think a child is in immediate danger please call the police on 999

Useful links and contacts

  • Leeds.gov.uk/domesticviolence
  • Childline - advice about a wide range of issue
  • Mindmate - information about mental health and organisations that can help
  • NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
  • NSPCC - Online Safety
  • CEOP - online safety
  • Net Aware - Your guide to social networks, apps and games
  • Leeds Women's Aid - 0113 2460401 (24 hours) Textphone @ 07825 156087 (Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm)

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Our child protection policy is an integral part of the inclusive ethos of the school, which should ensure that children are treated with respect and dignity and feel safe and listened to.

We believe all staff have an important role in child protection. The Headteacher and Designated teachers for child protection are responsible for co-coordinating all child protection activities. This is dealt with in the strictest confidentiality.

A nominated governor has strategic responsibility for child protection, liaising with the Headteacher and Designated teachers. The school works in partnership with other agencies (e.g. Children’s Services Leeds, The Brigshaw Learning Partnership staff, Attendance Officer, Social Care, Health Visitor, School Nurse, and Police) in the best interests of the children.

We aim to protect children by addressing issues through the curriculum, such as self-esteem, bullying, drug use, sex and relationship education.

All staff appointed to work in the school are checked through the Criminal Records Bureau referral system. Our Recruitment and Selection process is supported by rigorous checking and monitoring systems. All staff and governors receive regular Child Protection training. Attendance Officer, Social Care, Health Visitor, School Nurse, and Police) in the best interests of the children.

We aim to protect children by addressing issues through the curriculum, such as self-esteem, bullying, drug use, sex and relationship education. All staff appointed to work in the school are checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Our Recruitment and Selection process is supported by rigorous checking and monitoring systems.

All staff and governors receive regular Child Protection training.

Child Protection Information

Safeguarding Governor: Katie Kielty

Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead: Mark Cahill (Headteacher)

Safeguarding and Child Protection Officers: Hannah McEvoy (Deputy Headteacher), Sarah Brown (Learning Mentor)

'This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all children, and expects our staff and volunteers to share this commitment’.