Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Policy Statement

Thrive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility at Thrive. We have a culture of vigilance and believe that every child, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has the right to protection from abuse.

Our approach is child-centred; we always act in the best interests of the child.

  • We work in accordance with:

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014

  • Equality Act 2010

  • Prevent Duty 2015

Aims of this Policy

  • To provide all staff with the necessary information to enable them to meet their child protection responsibilities

  • To ensure consistent good practice

  • To demonstrate our commitment to child protection

  • To promote a culture of "it could happen here"

  • To create a safe environment where children can learn and thrive

 

Roles and Responsibilities

Proprietor: Joanne Henshaw holds ultimate accountability for safeguarding at Thrive. Oversees governance of safeguarding practices and ensures policies are implemented effectively.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Joanne Henshaw. Responsible for managing referrals, maintaining safeguarding records, raising awareness, and providing support and training to staff.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL): Michelle Ward Jones supports the DSL and acts in their absence.

 

All Staff and Volunteers: Must:

  • Read and understand Part 1 and Annex B of KCSIE

  • Attend safeguarding and child protection training annually

  • Report concerns immediately and accurately

  • Maintain an attitude of "it could happen here"

  • Understand early help processes and thresholds for intervention

Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms and may present with a wide range of indicators. All staff should be aware of the definitions and signs of:

  • Physical Abuse

  • Emotional Abuse

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Neglect

Additional vulnerabilities include:

  • Children with SEND

  • Children with mental health needs

  • Looked-after children and care leavers

  • Children at risk of exploitation (CSE, CCE)

  • Children who are LGBTQ+

  • Young carers

  • Children at risk of radicalisation

Staff are trained to be alert to the wide range of safeguarding issues, including contextual safeguarding.

 

Reporting Procedures

  • All concerns, no matter how small, must be reported to the DSL or Deputy DSL immediately.

  • Concerns must be logged factually using Thrive’s safeguarding recording system.

  • In the absence of the DSL/Deputy DSL, concerns should be reported directly to Wirral Council Children's Services.

  • Referrals to children's social care are made promptly.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, staff must call 999 and inform the DSL.

  • Allegations against staff must be referred to the Wirral Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

 

Safer Recruitment

  • Thrive follows safer recruitment best practice.

  • All applicants undergo enhanced DBS checks and identity verification.

  • References are sought, verified, and questioned where necessary.

  • Gaps in employment are explored during interviews.

  • All staff undergo safeguarding induction and regular updates.

 

Staff Training

  • Annual safeguarding training, including child-on-child abuse, Prevent Duty, and online safety.

  • DSL and Deputy DSL undertake Level 3 Safeguarding training every two years.

  • Regular safeguarding updates are shared through staff meetings, newsletters, and bulletins.

 

Online Safety

  • Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe online, including cyberbullying, grooming, and digital footprints.

  • Staff receive regular online safety training.

  • IT use is monitored, and policies are in place for acceptable use.

Allegations Against Staff

  • Thrive follows KCSIE 2024 Part 4 procedures.

  • All allegations are taken seriously.

  • The Proprietor must be informed immediately.

  • Allegations are referred to the Wirral LADO.

  • If the allegation concerns the Proprietor, it is referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer directly.

 

  • Whistleblowing

  • Thrive promotes a culture of transparency and openness.

  • Staff must report concerns about the conduct of colleagues or the organisation.

  • Whistleblowing procedures are explained at induction and available to all staff.

Curriculum Safeguarding

Safeguarding themes are embedded across the curriculum through PSHE, Humanities, and Life Skills:

  • Recognising abuse and knowing how to report it

  • Healthy relationships and consent

  • Online safety

  • British values and citizenship

  • Respecting diversity and inclusion

Child-on-Child Abuse

  • Thrive takes child-on-child abuse seriously.

  • Abuse between children will not be tolerated or passed off as "banter," "part of growing up," or "having a laugh."

  • Victims are supported sensitively and perpetrators educated or sanctioned as appropriate.

  • Child-on-child abuse may include bullying, sexual violence/harassment, sexting, and initiation rituals.

 

Prevent Duty

  • Thrive recognises its duties under the Prevent Strategy 2015.

  • Staff are trained to notice signs of radicalisation.

  • The DSL will refer concerns through the Channel process if necessary.

 

Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding records are confidential, accurate, and stored securely.

  • Records include a chronology of significant events.

  • Records are transferred securely to the next school when a child moves.

 

Monitoring and Review

  • Thrive’s safeguarding practices are reviewed termly by senior leadership.

  • This policy is reviewed annually or sooner following significant updates to legislation or guidance.

  • Child and parent feedback is used to inform safeguarding practice.