SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION
As a school we are aware of the responsibilities which the school and its staff have
with regard to the protection of children from abuse and from inappropriate and inadequate care, and we are committed to acting in all cases where there is concern.
In Rice Lane we aim to provide and promote an ethos in which children feel secure, where their opinions are valued and where they are encouraged to talk and are listened to.
We see the importance of providing suitable support and guidance so that pupils
have a range of appropriate adults whom they feel confident to approach if they are
in difficulties.
If it is brought to our attention that a child may have short term or long term emotional needs, e.g. due to bereavement, family issues etc, that require more specialist support, we have a Time and Space group where children can explore their feelings with the support of a trained member of staff, always with the full support of families involved. If necessary we may approach other agencies,
When necessary, parents will be invited to come and discuss issues of concern with the relevant people.
The school has a designated Child Protection Co-ordinator, Elizabeth Waterman,
and a Governor responsible for Child Protection, Mrs Pam Savin.
All staff have been made aware of their roles and responsibilities and we follow the ‘Guidelines for Safe Working Practice for the Protection of Children and Staff in Educational Settings.’
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The school regularly reviews policy and procedures for Health and Safety. We
take our responsibility to keep our pupils safe very seriously, and regularly have assemblies and PHSE lessons to remind our children about safety issues. All off site school visits have relevant risk assessments.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RACE EQUALITY
It is the underlying principle of our school to ensure that any discrimination is challenged and to ensure all children are treated fairly.
In our school we aim to foster an atmosphere of encouragement, acceptance, and respect for achievements and sensitivity to individual needs in which all pupils can thrive. We always ensure that attitudes and practices in school encourage full active participation.
Equal Opportunities Statements of Principle
- Discrimination on the basis of creed, colour, culture, religion, origin, gender, sexual orientation and disability is unacceptable in our school
- Every person in school will contribute towards a happy and caring environment by showing respect for and appreciation of each other as individuals. We celebrate the cultural diversity of our society
- An objective for our school will be to educate, develop and prepare all of our children for life in a diverse society and multi-cultural society
- We promote the principles of fairness and justice for all through the education that we provide in our school
- We ensure that all pupils have equal access to the full range of educational opportunities both in school and in enhanced curriculum activities.
- We constantly strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination that may form barriers to learning, e.g. negative images in books and discriminatory language
- We challenge stereotyping and prejudice whenever it occurs and follow LA procedures and guidance on reporting of incidents.
- We are aware that prejudice and stereotyping can be caused by low self-image and ignorance. Through positive educational experiences built into the curriculum and support for each individual’s point of view, we aim to promote positive social attitudes and respect for all.