Safeguarding is an integral part of our life at Crookham Infants and is everyone’s responsibility.  Alongside our statutory responsibilities to safeguard our children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share our commitment to promote the welfare of all pupils and to provide a safe and welcoming environment. In line with our school vision, we aim for our school to be a place where children are valued and belong. Our day-to-day practices and our curriculum help empower our children by teaching them how to recognise abuse, stay safe on and offline and to use their voices to speak out.  Children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried about anything.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is:

Mrs Hannah Inglis (Headteacher)

Our Safeguarding Governor is:

Mrs Kelly Mack

Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

We have Child Protection & Safeguarding Policies available on our Policies page and these are updated at least annually in line with DfE guidance.  We ensure that all staff (including supply staff, volunteers and governors) receive safeguarding training and are aware of these procedures. 

We follow Hampshire County Council’s safer recruitment processes for staff recruitment. Parent Helpers and Volunteers are required to complete an application process and have a DBS completed before coming into school.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a pupil's welfare.  We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with their parent/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the pupil's welfare. 

How we promote safeguarding in school

There are many ways in which we promote effective safeguarding in school, including through our day to day teaching, specific teaching around safeguarding, our interactions with our children to build strong relationships and conversations with parents. Examples include:

• Ensuring that we listen to children about anything that is worrying them so the children trust us and know that they can talk to us.
• Dealing with any incidents or issues promptly. Class teachers will talk with individuals, groups and the whole class as required.
• Class teachers available at the classroom door at the beginning and end of the day.
• Headteacher available at the gate in the morning and afternoon where possible.
• Encouraging parents to attend parents’ evenings.
• Open-door policy with parents.
• Ongoing monitoring of safeguarding by DSL and Safeguarding Governor.
• Teaching of our school vision, core values and celebration of difference.
• Sessions linked to external organisations e.g. NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe

What to do if you have concerns about a child

If you have any concerns about your own, or another child, please do not hesitate to contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead.

There may be times when you need extra help and support. If this is the case, please come and talk to us. There are many ways in which we can help.

Parents and carers play a role in safeguarding children in their community. If you think a child or young person may be in immediate danger, call 999. If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of any child, you can find further information and report a concern on the Hampshire County Council Safeguarding Children and Young People page.