Safeguarding Procedures at The Forum Centre
The Forum Centre recognises that safeguarding the child is paramount. We take seriously our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children and young people in our care.
An agreed definition of safeguarding is: all agencies take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised. Where there are concerns, all agencies take action to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies. Promoting welfare involves creating opportunities to enable children to have optimum life chances in adulthood.
All children have the right to be safeguarded from harm or exploitation whatever their:
- race, religion, first language or ethnicity
- gender or sexuality
- age
- health or disability
- political or immigration status
Governors, staff and volunteers in this school understand the importance of working in partnership with children, their parents/carers and other agencies in order to promote children’s welfare.
Child Protection Policy
The purpose of our Child Protection Policy is to:
- afford protection for the students at The Forum Centre
- enable staff and volunteers to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
- promote a culture which makes this school a safer place to learn
This policy applies to the Headteacher, all staff, including supply and peripatetic staff, volunteers, governors or anyone working on behalf of The Forum Centre.
We will endeavour to safeguard children and young people by:
- valuing them, listening to and respecting them
- involving them in decisions which affect them
- making sure all staff and volunteers are aware of and committed to the requirements of the Child Protection Policy*
- sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving children and their parents/carers appropriately
- recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made*
- adopting a code of conduct for all staff and volunteers*
- providing effective management through induction, support and training
- ensuring staff and volunteers understand about ‘whistle blowing’*
- dealing appropriately with allegations/concerns about staff or volunteers, in accordance with Government guidance*
*see separate policy/guidance upon request
Please be assured that should your child have any safeguarding concerns they will be listened to and respected and the issues will be dealt with sensitively and thoroughly. The Safeguarding Officers in The Forum Centre are:
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sue Gilani (email: s.gilani@tfc.dorset.sch.uk)
Deputy DSLs
Kim Rickford (email: k.rickford@tfc.dorset.sch.uk)
Jodi Songhurst (email: j.songhurst@tfc.dorset.sch.uk)
Jane Fairless (email: j.fairless@tfc.dorset.sch.uk)
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the above by email or phone (01258 455202) should you have any queries.