Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Scientia Academy, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to ensuring that children feel safe, valued, listened to and supported to thrive.

We take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and operate an open-door policy. We are happy to speak to any member of the school community who may have concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, whether those concerns relate to something happening at school, at home or within the wider community.

Safeguarding Team

We have a team of specially trained staff who are responsible for leading safeguarding and child protection across the school. There is always a trained member of staff available to respond to safeguarding concerns.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Laura Bradley, Pastoral Lead
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Stacey Harrison, Assistant Headteacher
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Dawn Marshall, Class Teacher

Governance

• Safeguarding Governor: Alex Cockeram
• Chair of Governors: Abbas Ali

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is a term that is broader than child protection and relates to the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Safeguarding includes:

• Protecting children from maltreatment.
• Preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health or development.
• Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care.
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best possible outcomes.
• Promoting equality and inclusion for all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, religion or belief.
• Protecting children from bullying, including cyberbullying and online abuse.
• Supporting children to develop their understanding of how to stay safe both in school and beyond.

Child protection forms part of safeguarding and relates to the specific actions taken to protect children who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering, significant harm.

Safeguarding at Scientia Academy

The staff and governors at Scientia Academy recognise their duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. All members of our school community, including staff, volunteers and governors, are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children:

• Feel safe and secure.
• Are encouraged to talk to trusted adults.
• Know that they will be listened to.
• Feel valued and respected.
• Are supported to achieve their full potential.

Keeping children safe is the most important responsibility we have as a school. Children who feel safe are better able to learn, develop positive relationships and thrive both academically and personally.

We work closely with a range of agencies and professionals to safeguard children and families. This may include Children's Social Care, Health Services, Early Help Teams, the Police and other specialist services where appropriate.

Our safeguarding procedures address a wide range of issues, including:

• Neglect and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
• Domestic abuse.
• Child sexual exploitation (CSE).
• Child criminal exploitation (CCE).
• County lines activity.
• Online safety and cyber risks.
• Children missing education.
• Female genital mutilation (FGM).
• Forced marriage.
• Radicalisation and extremism.
• Mental health and wellbeing concerns.
• Peer-on-peer abuse.
• Bullying and discriminatory behaviour.

Reporting a Concern

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team as soon as possible.

Concerns may relate to a child attending our school, a child in the local community or something you have seen, heard or witnessed online. No concern is too small to share.

All concerns are taken seriously, handled sensitively and acted upon appropriately in line with statutory safeguarding guidance and local procedures.

Our Duty to Act

Parents and carers should be aware that schools have a legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Where there is reason to believe that a child may be suffering, or is at risk of suffering, significant harm, the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Headteacher are required to follow the procedures set out by the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) and may make referrals to Children's Social Care or other relevant agencies.

Our first priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of the child.

Staff Training

All staff, governors and regular volunteers receive safeguarding and child protection training. This training is regularly updated to ensure that staff remain informed about current safeguarding guidance, emerging risks and best practice.

Safeguarding is discussed regularly within school and forms a key part of our ongoing professional development programme, ensuring that every adult understands their responsibility to keep children safe.