Prospectus

Admissions

Each county school has its own priority area. Details of the priority area for each school is shown on the attached map. All children living in the priority area are guaranteed places in their own area school, even if the number of children is more than the admission limit for the school that year. Parents who wish their child to attend another Stockport school should approach the headteacher. Before applying to another school, parents are recommended to visit their priority school.

Parents who decide to apply for admission to another school will be asked to fill in a form to say that they understand there is no guarantee of places for younger children who may wish to attend the school in future.

Children from outside the priority area will only be admitted if there are places left after all the priority children applying to the schools have been accepted. If there is competition for these spare places they will be offered first to children with a brother or sister already at the school at the time of admission, starting with those who live nearest the school.

The infant and junior schools are considered one school for purposes of admission so all pupils at NRIS are guaranteed a place. Parents refused admission have a right of appeal via the LEA, Town Hall, Stockport.

Parents are welcome to visit school by appointment with the Headteacher.

Pupils transferring from North Reddish Infant School will be able to visit school during July.

A parent meeting will be arranged allowing parents and staff to meet and help to make the transfer as smooth as possible for all pupils. Parents will also be given the opportunity to visit the Year 3 classes in September to work alongside their children.

School Description

North Reddish Junior School is a County Junior (7-11) co-educational day school.

School Organisation

The school is organised on the basis of one teacher per class. Each class is made up of children with a range of ability.

School Times

Start 08.55 a.m. Lunchtime 12.15 - 1.10 p.m. Finish 3.25 p.m.

Holidays

A list providing information about school holiday dates and in-service training days is attached.

As you will know, children of school age are required by law to attend school. If your child has to be away from school, you need to ask us to approve the absence, which we can now only do in very exceptional circumstances., You cannot yourself authorise your child’s absence.

Please do not ask for leave of absence for a family holiday during term time . The continuity of children’s education is vital and is seriously hampered if they go away on holiday during term time. This applies not only to the days they miss, but the fact that they are less prepared for the lessons building on the missed work, when they return.

The Year 6 children take their SATs (Standard Attainment Targets) tests in June and no request will be authorised during that time for any reason. Other children also take tests in the summer term and any absence during this time makes it impossible to predict their needs and their future performance.

Schools have now been instructed to refuse to give permission for a holiday in term time, so the school relies on your co-operation in not asking to take your child out of school during term times.

The centre of concern, as always, is the children and their right to continuity of learning and success in their education

Hours

The total teaching time in a school week, excluding the daily act of collective worship and registration, is 23.5 Hours.

The Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

The school aims to provide a broad, well balanced curriculum through which children develop their individual talent, interests and skills. The National Curriculum forms the majority of the curriculum in school through the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and I.C.T., it also includes the foundation subjects of Design and Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art and P.E. and R.E. is taught following Stockport’s Agreed Syllabus. P.S.H.C.E. is now integral to our teaching. Much of the curriculum is delivered through Q.C.A. units, with an emphasis on the development of skills through first-hand experience.

We have planned together as a staff to ensure progression and continuity throughout the school.

English

Our main aim for English is to stimulate and develop our children’s various linguistic skills, in order to improve their abilities as effective communicators. As a school we will follow the agreed National Literacy Strategy, and the Speaking, Listening and Learning Guidelines.

The children will be given opportunities to listen to and understand others, to read with comprehension and to formulate and clearly express their ideas and thoughts both in speech and in writing.

We have both a specific and cross-curricular approach to language and provide the children with stimulating and enriching activities which will foster the child’s positive attitude towards language.

Library

We have a well stocked and recently refurbished library containing a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Children are encouraged to read widely and each has an individual library card. We follow the Dewey Decimal System to help children locate texts.

Maths

The aims of mathematics education at North Reddish Junior School are in accordance with National Curriculum 2000 and the Primary National Strategy. Our aims for the learning and teaching of mathematics are founded on a belief that all children should enjoy equality of access to the provision of a high quality curriculum that will: provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for all pupils; promote mathematics as an essential element of communication, which allows pupils to describe, illustrate, interpret, predict and explain; provoke an appreciation of the relationships in mathematics; show pupils the fascination of mathematics and promote ways of doing mathematics which harness their imagination, initiative and flexibility of mind; encourage pupils to work independently and with others. to ensure that each child will leave our school numerate and able to use and apply Mathematics with confidence; extend each child to his or her fullest potential, building on previous experiences and recognising individual capabilities; foster interest, confidence and enjoyment in mathematics and inspire children; provide opportunities to apply mathematical learning in everyday situations and enable children to use and apply their knowledge in the world outside. All teachers follow an agreed policy for the teaching and recording of calculations.

Science

Science develops the pupils` understanding of the world in which we live. Science is taught through cross curricular themes covering life and living things, materials and their properties and physical processes. The pupils plan and carry out scientific investigations and gain scientific knowledge through practical activities wherever possible.

ICT

The school has an ICT suite which has 20 PCs and the use of a projector for demonstrations. All classrooms have PCs which are networked and have Internet access.
Every classroom also has an interactive whiteboard linked to the PC. This is a versatile classroom tool which can be highly motivating due to its interactivity, enabling a wide range of concepts and resources to be efficiently and effectively introduced. They are ideal tools for presenting any educational experience which all pupils will benefit from sharing.
We have 16 laptops which can be used anywhere in school. The laptops are fully networked and have wireless internet access. The laptops can be used by the children within the classroom to support and extend the work in class. Again these are an engaging tool which will allow children to develop computer skills alongside those of other areas of the curriculum.
Through ICT lessons, the children are taught to use standard applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as relevant curriculum software. They are also taught to access and search for information on the Internet and to send e-mails. Pupils also have the opportunity to use digital cameras, video camera, microphones and a computer microscope throughout different areas of the curriculum.

(If you do not wish you child’s photograph or work to appear on the school’s website can you please inform the office staff.)

Geography

By studying geography we aim to develop the child’s knowledge and understanding of place, patterns and processes. This involves the study of Stockport initially, and extends to a growing awareness of the rest of the world. In addition, the child is encouraged to consider and debate environmental issues. We also endeavour to help each child acquire geographical skills.

History

In the history studies, the children will learn about important episodes and developments in Britain’s past, from Roman to modern times. They will also have the opportunity to learn about two ancient civilisations i.e. Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt. Reddish provides a wealth of local history. The children will be developing an understanding of the past through a wide range of sources of information and visits to historical sites.

Design & Technology

Within Design and Technology, pupils design and make a range of products. Through practical activities pupils learn how to use a variety of tools and techniques accurately and safely. Pupils also have the opportunity to investigate and discuss a range of made objects.

Art

Our aim in art education is to provide, through a broad and balanced curriculum, the skills, knowledge and experience needed to develop the natural ability of all children. We aim to encourage both creative individualism and an appreciation of other artists work within a stimulating and safe environment. Children are given the opportunity to evaluate their own work and that of others.

Music

In music, children are given the chance to experience the two elements of music: performing and composing; listening and appraising. We aim to develop the skills in music by giving a wide range of experiences. These include singing, composing, playing, performing, listening to, and creating, their own music. Through the stimulating activities in which the children will participate, we will develop the creative abilities of all pupils.

Physical Education

We encourage our children to develop physical skills and to improve body awareness through a continuous and progressive programme. The development in movement, co-ordination and self-confidence provides the opportunity for each child to reach his/her full physical potential as a learner through a balanced programme of activities.

Religious Education

North Reddish Junior School is a non-denominational school. The religious education taught is broadly Christian and follows the agreed Stockport Agreed Syllabus. We follow the Q.C.A scheme of work with adapted units and over the four years in school Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism are studied.

Inclusion

At North Reddish Juniors we value every child for their individuality. We believe that all children must have the right to learn together in an inclusive and harmonious environment. We adhere to the Code of Practice to support pupils with additional needs; these may include specific learning difficulties, behavioural and emotional needs, and pupils with English as an additional. The staff at school is committed to work in partnership with LA Agencies and parents to give each pupil the best opportunities for learning. In consultation with parents and the school's Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), all staff contribute towards the identification and assessment of children's special educational needs, and to securing for each child an individual educational programme (IEP) suited to their individual requirements, using the resources of the school and any relevant outside agencies. The school works particularly closely with Stockport’s dedicated team of specialist teachers from the learning support service (LSS) Meetings are held at least twice yearly to monitor pupil progress and relevant plans are put in place and communicated to the relevant bodies.

We aim to ensure that those with social, educational and physical needs have access to a broad and balanced education. We also recognise the need to support those children who are gifted in any particular field and maximise the giftedness through a variety of systems both in school and from external sources.

We aim to ensure that all children are able to participate in the life and work of the school to the best of their abilities, whatever their needs.

(SRE)Sex Education

The Governing Body has agreed in consultation with the parents of the school that Sex Education should be taught as part of the school’s P.S.H.C.E. (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) programme. Sex education will contribute to the requirement of the Education Reform Act 1988 and will reflect the school ethos and demonstrate and encourage the following values:

Respect for self
Respect for others
Responsibility for their own action
Responsibility for their family, friends, school and wider community

Sex education will be taught in the context of relationships.

DATE

Drugs, alcohol and tobacco education is taught as part of the schools PSHCE programme. Drug education in schools is very important and helps children to learn about the world around them, how to be emotionally resourceful and develop the confidence, skills and attitudes to deal with situations and prepare for an adult life.

Right of Withdrawal

Parents have a right to withdraw their children from collective worship, religious education and sex education. Parents should make an appointment to discuss these issues with the Headteacher before the decision is made.

Pastoral Care

During the day your child’s welfare is the responsibility of his/her class teacher. The class teacher needs to be aware of any issues that are likely to affect your child’s emotional state, behaviour or progress. You are welcome to come in to school and discuss these issues with the class teacher or the Headteacher in confidence.

At breaktimes there is a member of staff on duty in each playground and inside school.

At lunchtime the children will be supervised by lunchtime organisers.

Child Protection

The requirements that the Children’s Act (1988) place on schools are summarised in this L.E.A. guidance:-

"Because of day-to-day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of school staff that a child may have been abused, the school is required, as part of the Stockport Child Protection Procedures, to report their concern to the Social Service Department immediately, often without contacting parents first."

If you have any queries about this or any other non-academic matters please contact the class teacher or or Mrs Louise Thompson (Designated Teacher)

Discipline and Behaviour

The promotion of good pupil behaviour is of the utmost importance to the staff and governors of North Reddish Junior School.

It is our policy to encourage all children, parents and staff working with children to contribute to and support the school ethos. We therefore promote a caring, supportive environment where all individuals are able to feel secure and happy and are able to grow into caring individuals who value themselves and others.

We have a behaviour policy which is followed by all staff. Children and parents are made aware of it through a home/school agreement booklet which goes home in September. The behaviour policy is called ‘Steps’, it is implemented by all members of the staff from the Head Teacher to the midday assistants. It allows the children to take responsibility for their actions. Children have a series of warnings and sanctions relating to the behaviour. The purpose of school is to educate children. Any behaviour, which disrupts this process, affects the quality of learning for every child, and is not acceptable. Schools have agreed procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour, which will involve parents at an early stage.

All children are encouraged to show respect for each other, the staff and visitors to the school. Good manners are expected from everyone. All children are expected to show respect for the school environment. Vandalism of any kind will be treated as a very serious matter. All areas of the school and books and equipment used by the children should be kept clean and tidy.

Extra Curricular Activities

We are lucky enough to be able to provide a range of extra-curricular activities, organised by both staff and parents; including football, netball, French, ICT and music clubs.

School Council

The school council is an integral part of North Reddish Junior School. It offers a platform to air views and concerns about school life. It ruins a small tuck shop, promoting healthy eating, which provides an income. This fund gives extra resources that benefit all children. The school council also organizes fund raising events and offers exciting and fun activities for such charities day as ‘Comic Relief’ and ‘Children and Need.’

Charging Procedures

The Education Reform Act maintains your child’s right to free education during school hours. Visits and visitors make a valuable contribution towards stimulating and enriching the learning opportunities in school. The pressures on the school budget are such that in order to sustain this programme it may be necessary to ask for voluntary contributions. There is no obligation to contribute and children will not be excluded if no contribution is made. Our ability to continue to offer such activities will be dependent upon the voluntary contributions we receive from parents.

There are exceptions to the provision of free education in school hours:-

individual music tuition may be charged for
any products of baking, craft etc. that you would like to take home will incur a charge for materials
any willful breakages or damage to school equipment or premises will be charged to the parents of pupils concerned
lost books, including library books will be charge at the full cost
charges may be made for other activities, which are recognisably distinct from the curriculum where parents have indicated in advance their agreement (e.g. residential)

Parents Meetings

There are two meetings per year where you can discuss your child’s progress with the class teacher and consider future learning targets. Pupils are welcome to attend. In addition, at the end of year you will receive a written report. If you wish to discuss this with the class teacher please make an appointment.

Assessment

Your child’s progress is monitored by on-going teacher assessment and optional Q.C.A. S.A.T.s test in Year 3, 4 and 5. At the end of Year 6 pupils will undertake the Standard Assessment Tests. Your child’s report at the end of Year 6 will include an insert that gives your child’s Teacher Assessment Levels and Standard Assessment Test results, along with a summary of the school’s results. The summary information for last year is contained at the back of this prospectus.

Special Needs and Inclusion

We aim to ensure that all children are able to participate in the life and work of the school to the best of their abilities, whatever their needs.

Equal Opportunities

North Reddish Junior School is committed to providing equal access to the curriculum for all children, regardless of their ability, gender, race or religion.

Parents

All of the staff at North Reddish Junior School fully appreciate the help and support given by parents to pupils at home, whether it be ensuring that their homework is completed on time or listening to them read regularly. Along with this, the support we receive from parents who are able to come into school and either work directly with the children, or indirectly, for example maintaining the schools library facilities, are invaluable.

Many extra curricular activities within school; clubs and fairs, etc. would not be possible without the commitment of parents.

If you feel you could become an active part of the school in any way please call in to speak to your child’s class teacher.

At North Reddish Junior School we value and need help of parents for many activities.

Please come along and join in. It’s fun!

Absence

It is very important that parents communicate with school, by telephone then confirm by letter when the child returns to school, as to the reason why the child has been absent. If this does not happen the absence will be marked as unauthorised. There is an Education Welfare Officer who works within school and provides a link between home, school and the local authority. The officer’s job is to ensure that all children attend school regularly and to give help and advice.

Transfer

If you transfer to another primary school please fill in a transfer request form. This will ensure that your child’s records will be sent to the next school helping to ensure continuity and progression in their education.

Stockport L.E.A. produces a booklet to give information to the parents of Year 6 pupils before they transfer to secondary education. Parents will be sent a preference form and a copy of the Information for Parents booklet from the priority school.

Each secondary school in Stockport has a geographical area around it called the priority area. Attendance at a primary school DOES NOT give a priority place at a secondary school unless you live in the priority area. Most pupils from North Reddish Junior School transfer to Reddish Vale Technology School.

School Lunches

A variety of cooked lunches are provided at North Reddish Junior School or children may bring a packed lunch. Dinner money should be sent in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and class clearly marked upon the envelope on Monday morning. Cheques should be made payable to S.M.B.C.

Only children from families, which are in receipt of Income Support, are eligible to receive free school meals. Further information is available from the Education Division, Pupil Services Section.0161 474 3878

You are asked to notify school in writing at least once one week before you want your child to change from one type of dinner to another.

Pupils are encouraged to drink water during the school day, as this is good for health and enables learning. They may have a clear, named bottle of water on the table where they are working. No glass bottles are allowed in school.

Pupils may bring snacks to eat at playtime. As a result of our work on Healthy Eating, from September there will be guidelines for healthy snacks, and crisps may not be brought as playtime snacks.

Free School Meals

Only children from families in receipt of Income Support/Income Based Jobseekers Allowance are eligible for free school meals. Application forms and further information are available from the Education Division’s Welfare Benefits Team: Tel: 0161 474 3878) or any of the Authority’s Information Offices.

Uniform

School uniform is encouraged as it helps children to be proud of their school and identify with it. We do expect that children representing the school wear school uniform. School uniform consists of a grey sweatshirt/cardigan, white/red polo shirt and grey skirt/trousers. For summer girls can wear red and white summer dresses. Children must not wear football shirts; shell suits, jeans or track suits for school.

All children are expected to change for P.E. into pumps/trainers, shorts, t.shirts (not baggy) or leotards. A sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms are needed for outside activities during the winter. Sweatshirts, cardigans and polo shirts with the school badge may be purchased from the office.

Please ensure all uniform, coats and P.E. kits are named.

Jewellery

For safety reasons jewellery should not be worn in school. The only exceptions are watches, except those with alarms or games, and pupils with newly pierced ears who may wear studs for five weeks until they have healed.Pupils with pierced ears will not be able to participate in P.E. or swimming and will only be able to sit at a bench/table during playtime and not run around. Parents should consider having their children’s ears pierced at the beginning of the summer holiday to enable the healing process to be complete before returning to school in September.

School Bags

For reasons of health and safety in the cloakrooms, children are encouraged to bring small school bags, which hang well on pegs.

Personal Property

Children are not encouraged to bring toys, football cards, etc., to school as experience has shown that this can lead to friction or upset when they are lost or damaged.

Clothing Grants

Clothing Grants are not available to primary aged children.

Medical

The development of children is monitored through the primary years by the school nurse and parents may ask for advice at any time.

Parents are asked to complete a medical questionnaire about their child during the last year of primary education and where necessary some children may be examined at this stage.

The school doctor, school dentist and school nurse are provided by the District Health Authority, which is responsible for the medical provision in schools.

Medicines

Parents should notify school of all children’s medical conditions and allergies. All children who have blue asthma inhalers should carry them with them at all times, especially at playtimes, P.E., visits and swimming. These can not be overdosed and can not harm other children. Other medicines must be kept in the office. Parents must give permission in writing for these to be given, at what times and in what dosage.
First Aid will be administered in school. Any serious injury will be reported to parents as soon as possible. Please ensure the emergency contact numbers are up to-date in the office in case we need to contact you if your child is ill or injured.

Travel to School

General

Stockport is an urban area well served by public transport. Services are provided by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) after consultation with the Council, which is not directly involved in the provision of transport to schools.

Any queries about school buses should be directed to the GMPTE Telephone Enquiry Unit (Tel: 0161 228 7811).

Children under 13 years of age may travel at the child concessionary fare.

This concession does not apply to children attending private or independent schools.

Free Travel

Some children qualify for free travel passes if transport is considered necessary to facilitate school attendance. In considering each application, the Authority as required by law, will have regard, amongst other things, to the age and the nature of the route. New applications for bus passes are only considered:-

where the distance between the gate of the home and the gates of the priority school or associated Catholic school (NOT NECESSARILY THE SCHOOL TO BE ATTENDED) exceeds 3 miles for children aged 8 years and over.
where the distance between the gate of the home and the gates of the school to be attended also exceeds 3 miles.

Measurement is made by the nearest available walking route which a child could reasonably be expected to be expected to take, accompanied as necessary. Parent’s attention is drawn to the implications of accepting a place at a non-priority/associated school with regard to free school travel.

The Council does not normally assist with transport costs of pupils who obtain places in schools outside Stockport. If the application is for a school outside Stockport on denominational grounds and appropriate education cannot be provided within Stockport then free school travel will be considered. Application should be accompanied by a letter from the relevant school indicating that attendance is on denominational grounds. The Council reserves the right to review a route used for Measurement purposes at any time and may withdraw passes in cases, which subsequently fail to qualify.

Parents who wish to appeal against a decision regarding eligibility for free travel should do so in writing to the Chief Education officer stating clearly their grounds of appeal.

Transport on Medical Grounds

Transport may be provided on medical grounds, normally for a limited period, on the recommendation of the School Medical Service. Parents who wish their child to be considered because they are unable to use public transport because of e.g. a broken leg, should apply to the Education Division, Special Education, Transport Team L Tel: 0161 474 3848) and enclose a note from the child’s specialist or Family Doctor.

Procedure for Complaints

The Secretary of State stresses that the "concerns" of parents and other should be dealt with, as far as possible, on an informal discussion basis with teachers and head teachers. If the complainant still remains dissatisfied after this stage has been exhausted then the formal procedures adopted by the LEA come into effect.

Local arrangements should ensure that full, fair and speedy consideration be given to a complaint at every level. An example of these levels as seen by the Secretary of State are as follows:-

STAGE 1 (INFORMAL) Concerns expressed by parents and others should be discussed with those directly involved with the issue, i.e. teacher/ head teacher.

STAGE 2 (FORMAL) If the matter is not fully resolved it may be referred to the governing body (or a sub-group of the governing body) for their consideration.

STAGE 3 (FORMAL) If the complainant is still dissatisfied the matter will be referred to inner LEA procedures. If it is necessary that the complaint proceeds to the final stage then elected members must be involved.

STAGE 4 (FORMAL) In the final instance the complaint will be referred to the Secretary of State for his consideration.

Safeguarding Children Policy

Commitment

At North Reddish Junior School we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, in line with the duty placed on us by section 175 of the Education Act 2002.

We strongly believe that all children have the right to feel safe and to be protected from physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect.

Scope of our commitment

At our school safeguarding encompasses child protection, safer recruitment, managing allegations against member of staff as well our approach to the Child In Need process. It is also supported by our approach to behaviour management, our response to managing bullying, our response to care and control, our response to children who are absent from school and our health and safety procedures. These are documented in separate policies, which refer to our approach when dealing with negative impact of technology upon children’s well being where this is relevant.

Throughout our work we have a clear commitment to supporting families. We aim to work well in partnership with parents/carers and any other appropriate agencies to promote the welfare of our children.

Child Protection

Key staff

In our school the designated officer for child protection is Louise Thompson.
In her absence the role is fulfilled by Emma Clark and then Gill Sant.

All these post-holders have the status and authority within our management structure to carry out the duties of the role.

Our named Governor for child protection is Charles Thompson.

All our staff are reminded annually who these key post-holders are. This is supported by a poster in school (Appendix 1)

Child Protection Procedures

At our school we follow the policies and procedures generated by Stockport’s Local Safeguarding Children Board.

When staff receive a disclosure or notice something which leads them to suspect that abuse may have taken place the information is recorded on our ‘Note Of Concern’ (Appendix 2). If physical abuse is suspected a ‘skin map’ will be used to record the site and extent of any injury that has been noticed (Appendix 3). These are both passed in a sealed envelope to the designated officer as soon as possible. This record should include: The date and time of the observation/disclosure Full information including verbatim accounts when possible of the incident Comments about the child’s appearance, behaviour, emotional state and actions

When staff are receiving a disclosure from children they should follow the guidance issued by the LSCB (Appendix 4)

When technology is involved we retain all the evidence (e.g. screen shots/emails/text messages) and use it to support the ‘note of concern’. However we do not search mobile phones or computers to gain further information.

Upon receiving the ‘note of concern’ the designated officer follows the procedures endorsed by Stockport’s Local Children Safeguarding Board, which are described in the flow-chart that is displayed around school (Appendix 5). Action should be taken within the same working day and as early as possible.
Where abuse is suspected a referral will be made to Social Care by the Designated Officer. A verbal referral will be supported by the completion of the Common Assessment Framework in line with local procedures (Appendix 6)

The content of the referral will be discussed with parents/carers where this is appropriate. Advice may be sought from Social Care concerning this aspect of information sharing. It is recognised that parents/carers are unlikely to be told that a referral is being made if sexual abuse or fabricated illness are suspected. Staff are aware that they must not discuss any issues with parents/carers unless they are told to do so by the designated officer.

NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE BY OUR STAFF TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO CASES OF SUSPECTED ABUSE.

Social Care and the police are responsible for undertaking investigations. Inappropriate actions by others may negate or contaminate evidence.

At our school it is expected that staff will co-operate with those investigating abuse following a referral. It will be the responsibility of those investigating the case to ensure that parents/carers are fully informed about the investigation. This is not the responsibility of our school.

Throughout this process the designated officer can seek advice from
Social Care (08456 44 313) - you may need to speak to the Senior Practitioner
The Senior Advisor for Safeguarding in Education (474 5974)
The Safeguarding Unit (474 5657)

Training and Support

All members of staff are trained in child protection issues as part of their induction process
All staff have access to Level 1 Basic Awareness training every 3 years. This is provided by Stockport’s LSCB
The Designated Officer in school has access to specific training every 2 years which is provided by Stockport’s LSCB
Support material and the LSCB policies and procedures are available on the Stockport’s LSCB website (www.safeguardingchildreninstockport.org.uk)
These materials are also available on the Stockport School, College and Community workforce website (www.scwd.stockport.gov.uk)
The procedures relating to child protection are discussed with all staff annually
A record of staff training is kept within school, which identifies who has attended the training and the content of the session
A set of the most recent training materials are available for staff in school
Our Nominated Governor receives termly updates about safeguarding through the Local Authority Governance Support Unit
Training is also provided by the LSCB to support the governors in their role

Information for Parents/Carers

It is made very clear to all parents/carers that all our staff is legally obliged to follow up any concerns they may have around child protection. A statement to this effect is included in the school prospectus, is on our website and is in our home-school agreement (Appendix 7). We also display our commitment to safeguarding in our entrance hall (Appendix 8).

Confidentiality/Records

All child protection records are kept separately from other records in school and are stored in a locked cabinet. The Designated Officer has access to these. When necessary they may be shared with other relevant members of staff. However they must always be read in school and then placed immediately back in the locked cabinet.

When a child leaves our school, their child protection records are sent to the receiving school separately from the child’s other school records. Records are not sent unless it has been confirmed that the child has taken up their new place. If this confirmation is not received we would retain the file indefinitely. We would inform the Education Welfare Service, via a password protected e-mail, that the child was no longer at our school, just as we would for all children who either suggest they are moving or who are missing from school with no explanation for 5 days. This is in accordance with the ‘Children Missing From Home and Education’ Policy (LSCB, 2009).

Children In Need

The staff in our school is committed to multi-agency working to support a Child In Need.

Where it is deemed that children require additional support, staff at our school will

Discuss their concerns with parents/carers
Complete or update a Common Assessment Framework
Convene or take part in the Child in Need Process
Call an Engagement Meeting if parents/carers are unwilling to engage with the process
Monitor the child’s progress and raise the issue to the level of Child Protection if this is necessary

All our work at Child in Need is conducted with the support and full knowledge of our parents/carers. Where it is appropriate we also involve the child in discussions.

All the documents to support the Child In Need process are listed on the page entitled ‘Common Processes’ on the SMBC website.
(www.stockport.gov.uk/commonprocesses)

Training and support

Members of staff who are likely to complete the Common Assessment Framework and/or take on the role of Lead Practitioner are encouraged to take part in 2 days training that is provided by the LSCB multi-agency training pool. This training includes 3 courses which cover using CAF effectively, the role of the Lead Practitioner and effective use of Child In Need meetings.

The training can be booked through www.scwd.stockport.gov.uk

Materials to support the Child In Need process are located on the Common Processes page within the SMBC website (www.stockport.gov.uk/commonprocesses)

Safer Recruitment

At our school we are committed to the safer recruitment practices outlined in Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education (2007),/p>

We ensure that all appointments in our school are made by a panel which comprises of at least one person who has completed the NCSL training package. The school holds a copy of the certificates of everyone who has been trained within their organisation.

Our safer recruitment practices include:

Ensuring that all our adverts include a statement which explains our commitment to safeguarding children
Displaying our commitment to safeguarding both visually in school and on our website
Ensuring that all our posts are detailed accurately through specific job descriptions and person specifications which state the contact that the post-holder will have with children
Discarding any applications that are made by any applicant who submit a CV instead of the required application form
Requesting references prior to interview, using a detailed reference request form
Scrutinising the application form and references, to identify any gaps in employment, or inconsistencies in the information presented. We use this information to formulate candidate specific questions that will be used during the interview.
Checking the validity of qualifications
Checking the identity of the individual concerned
Checking the eligibility of the candidate to work in the UK.
Asking specific questions during the interview that relate to safeguarding children. We expect candidates to discuss individual experiences rather than talking hypothetically
Collecting the information for a CRB check
Discussing any self-declared information with the candidate in a non-prejudicial way during the interview
Reserving the right to call candidates back for further questioning if anything emerges either through the CRB process or late references.
Reserving the right to dismiss a candidate if false information has been submitted during the recruitment process or if information comes to light that the candidate failed to disclose

In addition we:

a) maintain our single central record for our own employees, volunteers and Governors.
b) have additional statements attached to the ‘single central record’ which explain our approach to working with other groups of people who may come onto our premises (Appendix 9 for an example)
c) have a clear process of risk assessing any individuals who come onto our premises who do not require a CRB check.
d) ensure that all visitors to our school are met at Reception and are given a visitors pass/badge. There may be some cases where this does not happen (eg: refuse collection) but these exceptions are listed in the arrangements stated above see (b)
e) ensure that where appropriate (LA officers/contractors) visitors are asked to show their formal identity badges to link them to a known organisation. They are only admitted to complete known and verifiable duties.
f) Our Governing Body reviews our Service Level Agreements annually to check the adequacy of the arrangements contractors put in place to ensure that their staff are ‘suitable’ for working in school.

Training and support

Our Headteacher and the Governing Body access safer recruitment courses provided by the Senior Advisor for Safeguarding in Education or by NCSL
They also keep themselves abreast of developments via the LA training/briefing sessions and supporting documentation. This is provided by the Senior Advisor for Safeguarding in Education in conjunction with HR within SMBC

Managing allegations against members of staff

All the staff in our school are aware that they have a duty to report any concerns they have about the conduct of another member of staff, volunteer or governor to the Headteacher. If the concerns are about the Headteacher they are aware that they report the matter to the Chair of Governors.

When an allegation has been made against a member of staff the Headteacher will consider whether the allegation suggests that the individual has:

Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed a child
Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
Behaved in a way that indicates that s/he is unsuitable to work with children

If any of the above may have happened the Headteacher must record the concerns, and contact the Local Area Designated Officer (LADO: 474 5657) to ask for advice about how to proceed. The LADO will advise the Headteacher about whether to complete Form 1 (Appendix 10), or treat the matter internally via other policies (eg. disciplinary/capability). For additional information about the process we refer to the flowchart written by the LSCB (www.safeguardingchildreninstockport.org.uk)

If the allegation was made against the Headteacher the Chair of Governors should contact the Local Area Designated Officer immediately to ask for advice about how to proceed.

All staff are made aware of this policy at least annually.

KS4 Work Experience/Placements

When we are asked to accept students on work placements/experience, we do so without a CRB check for students working at KS4 in accordance with Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education (2007). However we do expect that the placing school/organisation has completed the relevant risk assessments with the Options Broker Service in accordance with our local procedures. We check with the Options Broker service to ensure the checks have been completed. We also check the identity of the young person when they arrive at our school.

The wider safeguarding agenda

This policy should also be read in conjunction with the following policies:

Behaviour management
Anti-bullying
Care and Control
Health and Safety
Acceptable Use
Managing Attendance
Children Missing from Home and Education
Work Placements at KS4

he views of our children

In our school the views of our children are very important to us.

We make sure that our children know that our staff are always prepared to listen to them. Children are made aware that they can report any concerns verbally and/or through the

School Council
Worry boxes

They also complete an anonymous questionnaire annually that specifically asks them to report how safe they feel in our school.

We use the findings to inform our school development plan, curriculum developments and specific interventions for individual children Reporting to the Governing Body

Our Governing Body oversees the Headteachers’ sound maintenance of all safeguarding procedures in line with this policy. The Headteacher has the day-to-day responsibility for maintaining these procedures with the backing of the Governing Body.

Our Governing Body will advise the Headteacher of its views on specific issues that will promote safeguarding in our school. This may for example be around promoting a parental understanding of the agenda.

Our Governing Body does not discuss any individual cases and never requests to see individual pupil records, although we do ask the Headteacher to explain the effectiveness of their procedures.

Ratification

This policy was agreed and adopted by our Governing Body