Safeguarding
PRINCIPLES
Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 gives maintained schools and colleges a statutory duty to promote and safeguard the welfare of children, and have due regard to the DCFS guidance ‘Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’ and the Children Act 1989 and 2004 Guidance.
Marine Academy Plymouth recognises that it has a duty to ensure arrangements are in place for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we will carry out this duty through our teaching and learning, pastoral care and extended academy activities. All members of the academy community (including volunteers and governors) will at all times establish and maintain a safe and stimulating environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk to adults they can trust and are listened to. Through training, all staff (teaching and nonteaching) will be able to recognise the signs of abuse and understand their responsibilities when a child may be at risk of harm. Staff will have an annual update each September following the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance, and Safeguarding will form part of all staff induction processes. All staff will complete on-line training annually, and the level 3 trained staff will maintain their competence by renewing this at least every three years. The academy will ensure that it provides detailed written referrals in a timely manner and recognises the importance of attendance at all meetings called when there is a concern regarding the safeguarding of a student.
STAFF RECRUITMENT
In line with the guidance ‘Safer Recruitment’, the Principal, SLT and some Governors have completed Safer Recruitment training. All staff, including volunteers, undergo careful screening and selection processes prior to an enhanced DBS check before commencing work, which is stored in the single central record.
DESIGNATED MEMBER OF STAFF
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Jemma Uren, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Ms Gemma Stewart. The Child Protection and Welfare Officer is Caroline Boyles. Our designated members of staff receive full training which is updated every 2 years.
The Designated Lead ensures all confidential records are secure with full chronologies. It is the responsibility of the designated member of staff to have discussions with Social Care when concerns arise regarding the safety of a Marine Academy student. All such students are monitored closely; including attendance and outcomes, with any new relevant information being shared with appropriate agencies. The Designated Lead is responsible for ensuring all staff have the desired competence concerning Safeguarding and Child Protection.
CHILDREN WITH STATEMENTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
We recognise that statistically children with behavioural difficulties and disabilities are most vulnerable to abuse. All staff who support these students will be extra aware of the need for vigilance for signs of abuse.
PARENTS
This academy believes in working closely with parents and there is an open-door policy so that parents can feel able to visit at any time to discuss concerns. There is a designated email for reporting concerns, and parents can also contact members of staff directly, including the Principal.
Marine Academy is fully signed up to the Safeguarding of Children and the Policy is in place and can be found on the website as can all other policies e.g. SEN – Behaviour and Attendance etc.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Ms Jemma Uren
Jemma.Uren@marineacademy.org.uk
01752 213945