We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
At Marshwood our safeguarding team is:
1. The Senior Designated Officer (SDO) is the Acting Head of School Mr. P. Beare.
2. The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSDO) is Miss B. Thompson.
3. Our Safeguarding Governor is Mrs. C. Grinter.
4. You can also contact Miss C. Pooley, Head at Loders CE Primary or Mr. L. Owen, Acting Head at Axminster Primary.
For a copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy please click on the link below or on the policies link under the information tab above.The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff and governors and are consistent with those of the Dorset Safeguarding Children Board (DSCB).
Pan Dorset Safeguarding Procedures
Pan Dorset Safeguarding Awareness Poster
At Marshwood we are committed to the use of computer technologies and recognise the Internet as a valuable tool for learners of all ages. We acknowledge that computers and the internet do have the potential for inappropriate use and access to undesirable material and that we have a duty of care to protect our pupils.
All pupils use computer facilities, including the internet, as an essential part of the curriculum and to support learning opportunities within the school. There are well publicised concerns regarding access to materials on the internet that would be unsuitable for pupils. The school takes reasonable steps to minimise the access to unsuitable material by ensuring supervised usage of the internet alongside a filtered internet service provider which prevents access to specific internet sites.
STAYING SAFE ONLINE
While we are all self-isolating and socially distancing due to Coronavirus, social media platforms, like Twitter, Snapchat and video calls, are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, share your thoughts and ideas and connect with like-minded people.
Unfortunately, whilst rare, there are negative influencers and online groomers who use the internet, social media and online gaming to spread their extreme ideas, which children can be exposed to. Some of these ideas may be considered radical or extreme and when a person starts to support or be involved in them, this is called radicalisation.
During this difficult time, we will all become more reliant communicating online, click here to take a look at the Lets Talk About It website for useful hints and tips about keeping your family safe online.
For more information about e-safety, or any other safeguarding issue, please see the information board by the school office, or use the links below.
What is Operation Encompass?
Operation Encompass is a unique Police and Education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people exposed to domestic abuse. It was launched on the 1st October 2015 and it is a process by which Key Adults (Designated Safeguarding Leads) in schools, academies, nurseries are informed that a child/young person may have been affected by domestic abuse within 24 hours of the event taking place.
How will it help?
The sharing of information between the Police and schools will allow early intervention support by Key Adults in schools. The aim of this support is to assist any child affected by domestic abuse to remain in school, so that they continue learning in a safe and secure environment.
HM Government - Quick Reference Guide Information Sharing
What will we do?
At Marshwood CE Primary Academy, we will ensure that we will:
We follow-up on any actions as directed by Operation Encompass and check on the welfare of pupils in school.
In July 2015, the Government published advice for Governing bodies, school leaders and school staff. The advice explained what the Prevent Duty means for school and how schools should demonstrate compliance with the duty.
The Prevent Duty is part of the school's safeguarding procedures and practices.
If you believe that someone is at risk of radicalisation you can help them obtain support and prevent them becoming involved in terrorism by raising your concerns and making a referral. You may have concerns about a potentially vulnerable institution that is being exploited for the purpose of promoting an extremist ideology. In either case, a dedicated team is ready to help.
If there is an immediate threat to life always dial 999
Members of the public can call 101 to report any concerns. All calls are dealt with sensitively and you can ask to speak with a Prevent officer if you prefer.
Alternatively call our team directly during office hours on 01202 229337.
If you are from a partner agency (Prevent Duty partners only), please make a Prevent referral by completing the form below and emailing it to: PreventReferrals@Dorset.pnn.police.uk
Prevent National Referral Form
The leaflet below has been created by Dorset on preventing terrorism and radicalisation within our communities.
With the support of the Counter Terrorism Policing South West Prevent Team, the Safer Devon Partnership has produced a short film around the danger of people being radicalised through grooming and exploitation. Its theme is relevant to all our communities within the south west.
The SSCT is a partnership between Dorset Police, The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service with a remit to prevent/reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and wrong-doing amongst children and young people and help keep them safe in a digital world.
The team consists of dedicated Schools Officers, all of whom undertake Safeguarding training and undergo enhanced vetting on a regular basis.
SSCT have created a number of video resources for you to use with young people and parents. These can be accessed via the below link.
Use the Do It Online page to report or refer to SSCT - if you are only looking for advice rather than making a formal report, please make this clear
Other Useful Links
Do you have a child who will be starting school in September 2022?
We would love to show you around our wonderful school.
Please contact us on 01297 678224 or email marshwoodoffice@acornacademy.org to book an appointment.