dsc0224

Safeguarding

At Ranikhet 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.

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 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.

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

If you are worried about a child, please speak to one of the Safeguarding Leads. 

You can also phone us on  0118 937 5520 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:

If you are worried about a child in Reading, please click here.

If you are worried about a child, what might you be worried about? 

What is child abuse and neglect?

Some abuse may happen because parents, carers or other adults act in ways which harm children. Other kinds of abuse occur when adults fail to take action to protect children or fail to meet a child’s basic needs.

There are four main types of abuse:

Physical Abuse

This may involve hurting or injuring a child by hitting, shaking, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional ill treatment of a child. It may involve telling children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. It may also include non-contact activities such as involving children in inappropriate sexual activities.

Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, which is likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.

Witnessing domestic abuse is also harmful to children. If you are involved in domestic abuse talk to someone. Click here for support in Reading and click here for Thames Valley Police partner support helplines.

What might make you concerned?

There are many possible signs of abuse ranging from physical injury to changes in behaviour. In some cases a child may tell you that they are being harmed. Alternatively you may witness an incident either between a parent and a child or a professional or volunteer working with children, which causes you to be concerned.

What to do if you are concerned?

Adults have a responsibility to share any concerns they have, even when they may have some doubts as to whether a child is being harmed.

If you are concerned about a child speak to someone. This might be a health visitor, nursery staff, teacher, family doctor, social worker or police officer.

If you are have concern regarding online activity, please click here to report online.

Additional support:

Information shared with parents

NSPCC PANTS and privacy

A core focus in our school is safeguarding and pupil safety. We have operational procedures, safeguarding procedures and a curriculum focus in order to keep our children safe. One of our core messages to children is regarding personal privacy with regard to their private parts. We use resources by the NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/

They refer to PANTS or ‘The Underwear Rule’:

Privates are private

Your underwear covers up your private parts and no one should ask to see or touch them. Sometimes a doctor, nurse or family members might have to. But they should always explain why, and ask you if it’s OK first.

Always remember your body belongs to you

Your body belongs to you. No one should ever make you do things that make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. If someone asks to see, or tries to touch you, underneath your underwear, say ‘NO’ – and tell someone you trust and like to speak to.

No means no

No means no and you always have the right to say ‘no’ – even to a family member or someone you love. You’re in control of your body and the most important thing is how YOU feel. If you want to say ‘no’, it’s your choice.

Talk about secrets that upset you

There are good and bad secrets. Good secrets can be things like surprise parties or presents for other people. Bad secrets make you feel sad, worried or frightened. You should tell an adult you trust about a bad secret straight away.

Speak up, someone can help

Talk about stuff that makes you worried or upset. If you ever feel sad, anxious or frightened you should talk to an adult you trust. This doesn’t have to be a family member. It can also be a teacher or a friend’s parent – or even Childline.

The designated safeguarding leads are:

Ms Kirsty Davies
Designated Safeguarding Lead

Miss Louisa Sanghera
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ms Connie Bernardi
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

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

Ranikhet Academy meets statutory requirements in relation to Disclosure & Barring Service – all staff and volunteers who work with Ranikhet 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.