Beechwood Primary School

Safeguarding

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Safeguarding

Staff and Governors at Beechwood Primary are aware that many children are the victims of different kinds of abuse and that they can be subjected to social factors that have an adverse impact upon their lives – including domestic violence, substance misuse, bullying,  mental health and radicalisation. We also acknowledge that safeguarding incidents could happen anywhere and staff should be alert to possible concerns arising. 

Whatever their background and culture, age, disability, gender, racial origin or religious belief we believe that children have the right to participate in a society and environment which is safe and free from violence, fear, abuse, bullying and discrimination. They have the right to be protected from harm, exploitation and abuse, and to be provided with safe environments in which to live and play.

Through our curriculum, we teach children to stay safe and happy. We encourage the understanding that any problem or worry that they may have is legitimate, and to share their worries, big or small with their trusted adult; at home; school or with ChildLine.

Key contacts 

• Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs Helen Welford - Assistant Headteacher
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads – Mrs Jo Hintz- Lead Family Worker                                                                                                  Mrs Michelle Breen-Smith- Deputy Headteacher
• Safeguarding Governors – Nargis Rahman
• Chair of Governors – Azhar Baig

OPERATION ENCOMPASS

Beechwood Primary School has been given the opportunity to take part in a project that will run jointly between schools and Bedfordshire Police.

The project, Operation Encompass, will commence on 12^th April 2021. It aims to support children who are affected by domestic abuse. Witnessing domestic abuse is really distressing for a child or young person, who often see the abuse, hear it from another room, see a parent’s injury or distress afterwards, or can be physically hurt trying to stop the abuse.

As a result, following any domestic abuse incident being reported to the Police, the Police will make contact with Children’s Social Care, who will then communicate relevant and necessary information to the safeguarding team at Beechwood Primary. This will ensure that the school is made aware at the earliest possible opportunity and can provide support to children in a way that means they feel safe and listened to.

At Beechwood, our Safeguarding team have training and experience in liaising with police and Children’s Social Care when required, and will ensure that the necessary support is made available to the child following the disclosure of a domestic abuse incident.

We believe this demonstrates our school’s commitment to working in partnership to safeguard and protect children, and to provide the best possible care and support for the pupils in our care.

If you would like to speak someone further about the project or require further information, please contact our Safeguarding team Mrs H Welford, Mrs Breen-Smith, Mrs J Hintz, Mrs S Riaz.

For more information, please see https://www.operationencompass.org/