Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. At Connaught, we aim to create a culture in which children are safe, listened to and able to get the right help at the right time.

If a member of staff is worried about a child, they share the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Sweeney-Gillings, or a Deputy DSL without delay. The safeguarding team considers the information available and decides what action is needed to keep the child safe and ensure they receive the right support.

We will usually work in partnership with parents and carers wherever possible. However, there may be occasions when we need to seek advice from children's social care or another safeguarding agency before speaking to a parent or carer, where doing so is necessary to protect a child.

Safeguarding information is recorded securely and shared only when it is necessary to help, support or protect a child.

We want every child at Connaught to know that they can ask for help. Children do not need to know whether something is a 'safeguarding concern' before speaking to an adult - if something is worrying them, we want them to tell us.

• Speak to their class teacher or another trusted adult in school.

• Speak to Mrs Sweeney-Gillings or any member of the safeguarding team.

• Visit The Den or speak to an ELSA.

• Keep telling a trusted adult if they are still worried or do not feel safe.

At Connaught Junior School, we believe that providing support early can prevent difficulties from becoming bigger concerns. If your family needs support with behaviour, emotional wellbeing, attendance, finances, housing, or family circumstances, please get in touch. We will work alongside you to understand your needs and help identify appropriate support.

Our Family Support Worker runs confidential parent support clinics every Wednesday, which can be booked through the school office. Parents and carers are also welcome to contact the DSL, Mrs Sweeney-Gillings, at any time if they have concerns about their child or would like advice and support.

A child's emotional wellbeing is closely connected to their safety, learning and development. Staff are alert to changes in behaviour, mood, friendships, attendance or presentation that may indicate a child needs additional help.

Support available in school may include:

At Connaught, we are committed to helping children stay safe online both in school and at home. We teach pupils how to use technology responsibly, recognise risks, and know what to do if something online makes them feel worried or unsafe. We encourage parents and carers to take an active interest in their child's online activity and to work with us to promote safe and positive digital experiences.

Useful Resources for Parents and Carers:

• 🌐 Thinkuknow 
• 🌐 Internet Matters 
• 🌐 NSPCC Online Safety

Good attendance is an important part of safeguarding. Regular attendance helps us know that children are safe, well and able to access their education. We ask parents and carers to report any absence as soon as possible on the first day of absence and to keep us updated where necessary.

If we have not received a reason for a child's absence by 11:00am, we will make reasonable attempts to contact parents and carers. Where we are unable to establish that a child is safe, we may carry out a welfare visit to the home as part of our safeguarding responsibilities.

Protecting children from extremism and radicalisation is part of our safeguarding duty. Staff receive regular training and are alert to concerns that may place a child at risk. We promote respect, tolerance, critical thinking and British values throughout school life. Any concerns are managed in accordance with our Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Policy.