Ratby Primary School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, all staff share this commitment. The Health & Safety of all our children is paramount.
The school provides a safe, secure and caring environment in which their children can flourish. To meet this expectation, we closely follow our school’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policy and Health & Safety policy. Details of these policies can be found in the policies section of the website.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have a safeguarding concern about a pupil in school you should report it to either a DSL in school or by sending an email to: dsl@ratby.bepschools.org
Mrs Lisa Jones
Lead DSL
Headteacher
Mrs Clare Astill
Deputy DSL
Deputy Headteacher
Mrs Kayleigh Denton
Deputy DSL
Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Sally Hurn
Deputy DSL
SENDCo
Mrs Belinda Anstey
Deputy DSL
EYFS Lead
Operation Encompass
Our school is part of Operation Encompass.
Building upon the national success of Operation Encompass (Police in all 43 forces in England and Wales sharing information with schools about children experiencing domestic abuse) Leicestershire police are expanding the information that they are sharing confidentially with the safeguarding leads in Leicestershire schools.
From the 19th of September 2022 they have began a phased rollout across the Police Force sharing with us incidents that they have attended where they feel there has been an impact upon a child’s physical, emotional or mental well-being.
We are thrilled the force has made this decision as this confidential information will help us to support and care for the children in our care even more effectively.
More information about Operation Encompass including their statement can be found on their website www.operationencompass.org
As part of the Operation Encompass Information Sharing Platform our Police Force will also share with the Designated Safeguarding Lead information about police attended incidents where they feel that there has been a tangible impact upon a child is physical, emotional or mental well-being.
This information is shared so that our school can better understand children’s living experience and can support, nurture and care for them more effectively.
Our DSL has attended a briefing about this information sharing and has disseminated information to the safeguarding governor and to all members of staff.
Staff and volunteers in the school have a duty to report concerns about a child, whether this means the child may be in need of additional support or help of some kind or whether it is thought that a child may have been abused or be at risk of abuse.
There are 4 categories of abuse:
In some cases the school is obliged to refer children to the Social Services Department, for children to be assessed for their needs or if an investigation into possible child abuse is required. In many cases there will already have been discussions between school staff and the parents of the child, and the situation and concerns will not be a surprise to the parents. However, parents may not be told that the school has referred their child to the Social Services Department if it is thought that this might put the child at risk.
The Social Services Department tries to carry out its enquiries in a sensitive fashion. It has to gather information and generally it can be open with parents about the steps being taken.
If school staff need to express concerns about a child or refer a child to the Social Services Department, it is understood that this can cause distress or anger for the child’s parents. It is important that all parties (including parents and school staff) try to discuss these matters as calmly and sensibly as possible.
It is our aim to create confident e-learners, who:
At Ratby Primary School we have a strong commitment to E-Safety. All our pupils are taught about keeping safe as a regular part of our curriculum. We embrace the use of technology at school and ensure that our pupils not only master the skills of using this technology, but most importantly the knowledge and awareness of how to keep themselves safe while doing so.
We also feel that it is crucial for parents to fully understand how to ensure their child is safe when using the Internet at home and as a school we do all we can to support you in this.
Please see below for links to useful websites that provide a wide range of information for ensuring e-safety at home.
Below are resources that parents, carers or foster parents may find useful.
Underwear rule children guide english
Underwear rule guide for parents
Underwear rule guidance foster carers
Peer on peer abuse
Following an upsurge in cases of sexual harassment and abuse reported on the “Everyone’s Invited” website and TikTok, there is a new helpline to support potential victims in education settings. The dedicated number 0800 136 663, run by the NSPCC, will provide both children and adults who are victims of sexual abuse in schools with the appropriate support and advice. This includes how to contact the police and report crimes if they wish. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals too.
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a UK wide charity dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse. They run an excellent website: https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk with a learning programme, straightforward advice and short videos on topics such as family safety plans and what to do if your child does get into trouble online. There is also a confidential helpline: 0808 1000 900.
NSPCC PANTS campaign
The school works in conjunction with the NSPCC in sharing the key messages from the PANTS campaign with children in Reception and key stage one. Pupils are involved in assemblies and lessons which are aged appropriate. More information can be found on about the PANTS campaign can be found on the NSPCC’s website: www.nspcc.org/pants, including the assembly and a guidance booklet for parents, which can be found below.
Supporting at home
As a parent there is a lot you can do to support your child to develop positive views and healthy behaviours around sex, most importantly – talk to them. Talking with your child about positive principles for sex could help them to:
● say no to sexual acts or conversations that could harm them or others
● choose sexual acts that are positive and safe for them and the other person
● know they can come to you if something is worrying them
● develop positive sexual self-esteem
Tips for talking
‘How do I describe positive sexual behaviour?’. It can be difficult to know what to say, see below for a starting point on describing positive sexual behaviour. Parent Info also provides further information on talking to your child about sex.
‘When should I talk to them?’. Start having these chats as early as your child learns about sex, and if and when you sense their sexual interest might be developing or their puberty is beginning.
‘They won’t want ‘the talk’ from me’. There is no need for a big sit down chat, little and often is much more effective. Look for opportunities for small chats, for example using film or TV scenarios to ask their views and open up discussion.
‘It’s embarrassing for both of us’. In these chats you’re showing your child that it’s normal and important to talk about sex. It will soon become more comfortable to discuss and shows your child that they can talk to you about anything.
‘What else can I do?’. Starting regular chats is important, but you can also help your child with your actions. Lead by example, by showing respect, empathy, kindness and good communication in your relationships.
For more information and support for parents, please visit the websites listed below
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/Supporting-positive-sexual-behaviour/
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-abuse-and-neglect/harmful-sexual-behaviour
