Safeguarding
Hungerford Primary Academy takes its responsibility of keeping children safe very seriously.
Child Protection Statement
At Hungerford Primary Academy we believe:
• The welfare of our children is paramount.
• Children and young people have the right to protection from neglect and abuse.
• Everyone has a responsibility for the protection of children and for reporting concerns.
• In any conflict between the needs of the child and those of the parents or professionals, the needs of the child must come first.
It may be helpful for Parents to know that we report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse – which includes non-accidental injury, physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. This procedure is intended to protect children at risk and we take the view that when there are grounds for suspicion, it is better to be safe than sorry. This does mean that the school risks upsetting some parents by reporting a case which, on investigation, proves unfounded. In such circumstances, it is hoped that parents, appreciating how difficult it is for the school to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the school acts in what we believe to be the child’s best interests.
The Designated Safeguarding lead in the school is: Jo Atkinson
Policies
Please view our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy for a comprehensive look at how we protect our children at Hungerford.
Our Safer Recruitment Policy outlines the steps we take to screen adults working within the school.
Operation Encompass
In conjunction with Cheshire Police, Hungerford Primary Academy is involved in a new initiative called Operation Encompass. The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic abuse incident. Following such an incident, children will often arrive at school distressed, upset, worried and unprepared. Operation Encompass aims to ensure that appropriate school staff (called Key Adults) are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe and included.
This is a valuable initiative that means we can continue to support and help children and families within our school community when they need it the most.
You can find our more by visiting www.operationencompass.org or by contacting our Key Adult (Andrea Bean).
