Safeguarding

If you have any safeguarding concerns about a child please speak to Designated Safeguarding Lead Mrs Houghton or either of our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Mrs Chadwick or Miss Nutt on 0116 2864105 or by email: dsl@huncote.embracemat.org 

We also have orange safeguarding forms available in the school foyer. You are welcome to come into school and complete this, documenting your safeguarding concern and pass this on to either Mrs Houghton, Mrs Chadwick or Miss Nutt. 

It is also possible to contact the First Response Children’s Duty Team on 0116 305 0005 where you will be able to speak to a Social Worker about your worries or report it via the NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/

Most importantly, if have any urgent safeguarding concerns regarding a child please contact the police by calling 999 immediately.

The NSPCC has launched a dedicated helpline for children and young people who have experienced abuse at school, and for worried adults and professionals that need support and guidance, including for non-recent abuse. Call our new NSPCC helpline, Report Abuse in Education on 0800 136 663 or email help@nspcc.org.uk Additional support can be found by visiting FreeVa.org.uk or your local food banks.

If you have a concern about a member of staff, you must speak to the headteacher, Mrs Sally Houghton. If you have a concern about the headteacher, you must contact the Chair of Governors, Mr Martin Towers via email  mtowers@huncote.embracemat.org These people will then contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Safeguarding Statement

At Huncote Primary School, the safety and well-being of our pupils are our top priorities. We are dedicated to providing a secure and nurturing environment where every child can thrive  In order to do this, a wide range of measures and policies are put in place. These are reviewed every year and are available:

Our Commitment to Child Safety

  1. Vigilant Protection: All staff, volunteers, and visitors are thoroughly vetted and trained to recognize and respond to signs of harm or abuse.
  2. Safe Environment: We maintain a safe and secure school environment through regular risk assessments and necessary safety measures.
  3. Inclusive Support: Our staff are trained to provide emotional and psychological support, catering to the diverse needs of our pupils.
  4. Clear Policies and Procedures: We have well-defined safeguarding policies and procedures that are regularly reviewed and communicated to our school community.
  5. Empowerment through Education: We educate pupils about their rights and personal safety, encouraging them to speak up if they feel unsafe.
  6. Partnership with Parents and Community: We work closely with parents, carers, and the community to ensure a collaborative approach to safeguarding.

At Huncote Primary School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We strive to create a culture of safety and trust, ensuring every child is protected, respected, and given the best opportunities to succeed.

Child Protection and Safeguarding

The Safeguarding Policy at Huncote Primary School is based on the policy from The Key and is updated annually and verified by the Board of Trustees of Embrace MAT which is also in accordance with Leicestershire County Council procedures. The key features of the Safeguarding policy are to:

  • Provide children with a safe and secure environment
  • Ensure there are trusted adults children feel they can talk to
  • Ensure staff are aware of referral procedures
  • Access and act on advice from Leicestershire Child Safeguarding Board if there is any uncertainty as to the course of action required

All staff, visitors and volunteers receive a safeguarding induction. Staff receive regular training and updates including but not limited to:

  • Annual safeguarding training including KCSIE updates.
  • Prevent
  • FGM
  • Operation Encompass
  • DSL training (initial and refresher courses)
  • First Aid including Paediatric First Aid in Early Years provision
  • Safer Recruitment training (initial and refresher courses)
  • Online Safety