Safeguarding Statement

Hawksworth Wood Primary School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all our children in school. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment to safeguarding our pupils.

We co-operate with published LSCP arrangements which conforms to locally agreed inter-agency procedures – Local protocols for Leeds practitioners (leedsscp.org.uk) and has been ratified by the LSCP Education Reference Group. It is available to all interested parties by clicking here or on request from the main school office. It must be read in conjunction with other relevant policies and procedures and KCSiE (DfE 2021). Please click the link below for further information.

We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy which can be viewed in the Policies section of our website. Our Safeguarding practice follows the guidance and procedure set by Leeds Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. It is hoped that parents appreciate this is our moral and legal responsibility and accept that the school is always only acting in what is believed to be the child’s best interests.

We actively support the Government’s Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.

The Designated Safeguarding Leads are Kim Hargreaves and Lyndsey Benn.

If you require any further information please contact any of the above.

Useful Website for online safety for parents and children below:

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/cybersprinters-game-and-activities

Domestic Violence (DVA Notices)

Leeds Joint Agency Protocol for Domestic Violence and Abuse:

School and Higher Education Notifications (DVA Notifications Process) has been established to support any children who live in a  household where there have been  incidents of domestic violence and abuse. We know that children can be significantly physically or emotionally hurt by either being present in the house or directly witnessing an incident of domestic violence. The DVA Notification Process has been designed to provide confidential notification to schools and higher education establishments on any incidents of domestic violence and abuse which happen  within a child’s household that might have an impact on a child whilst they are in school / higher education. The process will ensure that a member of staff is trained to allow them to use the information that has been shared, in confidence, and ensure that the school / higher education establishment 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 www.leedsdomesticviolenceandabuse.co.uk