Safeguarding Policy
In "Policy"
St Michaels Catholic College Safeguarding.
Safeguarding is high on St Michael’s agenda, we aim to provide a safe environment and aim to identify and protect any child or young person who is at risk of significant harm we also pay careful attention to pupils health and safety. The college promotes safe practice and challenges unsafe practice. In order to meet our responsibility to ensure the safety of all pupils our leadership and management make safeguarding a priority across all aspects of the college. We have a stringent vetting procedure in place for staff and other adults. We have rigorous policies and procedures in place and our child protection arrangements are accessible to everyone.
Behaviour
Behaviour in the college is outstanding and this contributes significantly pupils feeling safe. We aim to create a culture of care where pupils are tolerant and respectful of each other and are accepting of individual differences.
Staying Safe and Healthy
The college has designated first aiders and we also employ a nurse who supports pupils on a daily basis and promotes healthy lifestyles she also has an input into our PSHE programme which teaches pupils how to stay safe, keep themselves from harm and how to take responsibility for their own and others’ safety.
Risk Assessment and parental consent to off-site activities including trips abroad
Risk assessment is taken seriously by the college and covers all aspects of our work, such as premises and equipment, on-site activities, off site-activities and the venues used. Where relevant, risk assessments are carried out for individual pupils. The college ensures that staff are given the training they need for their job. Staff who do work which involves a greater element of risk, such as using woodworking machines, receive more training.
Written consent from parents is not required for pupils to take part in the majority of off-site activities organised by the college as most of these activities take place during school hours and are a normal part of a child’s education at the college they are covered by the parental agreement signed at the start of each academic year. Written consent is only requested for activities that need a higher level of risk management or those that take place outside school hours.
Parents will always be informed in advance of such activities and will be given the opportunity to withdraw their child from any particular school trip or activity covered by the form.
Bullying (including cyber bullying)
We encourage pupils to talk about issues which affect them and pupils are encouraged to identify members of staff who they feel that they can disclose problems to. The college has a policy on internet use and internet safety is given a high priority, with appropriate safeguards placed on computer systems to prevent access to unsuitable sites furthermore we employ a specialist technician who can monitor internet use within the college. The college recognises that pupils can still access potentially harmful websites outside of school where they may not have the same levels of protection. We feel that it is essential to educate pupils about how to protect themselves so that they can transfer this awareness to their families.
Attendance
Attendance at St Michaels is excellent and is given a high priority. Attendance in the college is carefully monitored; we employ a designated person to focus on this, so that both the staff and parents know where students are at all times. All possible steps are taken to ensure that pupils attend college and that unexplained or unauthorised absences are followed up speedily and rigorously.
Power to bar abusive parents
Sometimes aggressive or abusive behaviour from a parent can present a risk to staff and children. College premises are private property and parents will generally have permission from the college to be on premises. However, in cases of abuse or threats to staff, pupils or other parents, the college may ban parents from entering the school.
It is also an offence under section 547 of the Education Act 1996 for any person (including a parent) to cause a nuisance or disturbance on college premises. The police may be called to assist the college in removing a parent.
A parent who has been banned from entering college premises is trespassing if he or she does so without permission.
