Safeguarding

Safeguarding

At The Palmer Academy  we strive to ensure all our students are safe in school, at home, online and in the community. Our staff are here to keep young people safe and secure and to promote their personal safety and wellbeing.

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Our commitment to safeguarding encompasses ways which we ensure children and young people foster security, confidence and independence. The Academy has a duty of care and the right to take reasonable action to ensure the welfare and safety of its pupils. If a member of staff has cause to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or any other form of abuse, the Academy will follow child protection procedures and inform Children’s Services of its concern.

A clear policy on Safeguarding is available on our policy page and is reviewed by the school and REAch2 Academy Trust on an annual basis.

There are designated safeguarding lead staff (Safeguarding Leads/Child Protection Officers) who monitor the effectiveness of the policy and, where necessary, liaise with the local authority when significant safeguarding concerns arise.

If you have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact one of the designated safeguarding leads as quickly as possible.

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Are you concerned about a child? Do you need support?

Come in and speak to Mrs Bryant or one of the safeguarding leads below. You can also call us on 01189375481 or email [email protected]

You can also report any concerns you have to Reading Children's Single Point of Access. 

There are 3 ways to contact the team:

• Using a web form, which is the most secure and effective way of requesting help for a child. The form can be found at: www.reading.gov.uk/childrensreferralform
• Calling the team on 0118 937 3641
• Emailing the team on [email protected]

Professionals:

To contact the school regarding a safeguarding matter call 0118 9375481 and ask for Sarah Bryant or the senior designated safeguarding lead on site. To share information confidentially, email: [email protected] 

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The designated safeguarding leads are:

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Policy and Procedures

We will ensure all policies and procedures in respect of safeguarding children are up to date and in line with latest DfE legislation.

Disclosure & Barring Checks

The Palmer Academy meets statutory requirements in relation to Disclosure & Barring Service – all staff and volunteers who work with The Palmer Academy who meet the ‘regulated activity test’ (Freedoms Act 2012) are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check prior to employment. 

Training

All Academy staff and volunteers undertake relevant safeguarding training upon starting in the Academy and receive annual updates as appropriate.