Supporting Every Learner
Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. No concern is ever too small.

If you are unsure of something – report it to one of our DSLs:

 

 

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

  • providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge;

  • protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online;

  • preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development;

  • ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and

  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

(Keeping Children Safe in Education: Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges, DfE, September 2025 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015)

At Harlands Primary School we aim ‘to provide our children with a safe and well-managed environment in which they feel secure.’

Implicit in this aim is the aspect of Child Protection. All staff should read the Harlands Safeguarding Policy as well as Part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education – both documents are available on the Safeguarding display in the staffroom. As professionals we care for the child not just as a learner, but also as an individual who has a family context and emotional, social and physical needs. To enable the child to develop as we would wish, staff should respond on behalf of that child to any problems - learning difficulties, bullying, family problems or abuse - as effectively as possible.

It is the responsibility of all staff to safeguard children and be aware of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.

If you have any safeguarding concerns you can email them to the secure email address which is dsl@harlandsedtrust.org.uk. 

 

Every Child, Every Day

Keeping Children Safe is Everyone's Responsibility

At Harlands Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a culture where every child feels safe, valued, listened to and supported to thrive. Our approach is rooted in the belief that safeguarding is not simply a policy or a procedure; it is the responsibility of every adult working within our school community.

We maintain a strong safeguarding culture that places children's welfare, wellbeing and best interests at the centre of all decision-making. Our staff know our children exceptionally well and build trusted relationships that enable pupils to feel confident in seeking help when they need it.

  • A Child-Centred Approach

    Our safeguarding practice is guided by a child-centred philosophy. We recognise that every child is unique and that their experiences, needs and circumstances may differ.

    This means we:

    • Listen carefully to children's views, wishes and feelings.

    • Consider the individual needs of every child.

    • Ensure pupils know who they can talk to if they are worried.

    • Promote emotional wellbeing alongside academic success.

    • Take action promptly when concerns arise.

    • Ensure that safeguarding decisions are always made in the best interests of the child.

     

    We believe that children are most likely to succeed when they feel safe, secure, respected and understood.

  • Strong Relationships Matter

    Positive relationships are the foundation of effective safeguarding.

    Our staff invest time in getting to know children, understanding their strengths, interests and individual needs. Through consistent, caring and trusting relationships, we are often able to identify concerns early and provide support before issues escalate.

    Children know that there is always someone who will listen, support them and help them to stay safe.

  • Working in Partnership with Families

    We recognise that parents and carers are our most important partners in keeping children safe.

    We work closely with families to:

    • Share concerns and celebrate successes.

    • Provide advice and support where needed.

    • Promote attendance, wellbeing and positive mental health.

    • Signpost services and additional support.

    • Ensure open, honest and respectful communication.

    We understand that raising children can sometimes be challenging and we aim to work alongside families with empathy, professionalism and a shared commitment to achieving the very best outcomes for children.

  • Partnership with Local Authority and Specialist Services

    Keeping children safe often requires a coordinated approach.

    We work proactively with a wide range of professionals and agencies including:

    • West Sussex Children's Services

    • Early Help Services

    • Educational Psychologists

    • School Nursing Team

    • Social Care

    • Health Professionals

    • Speech and Language Therapists

    • CAMHS and Mental Health Services

    • Inclusion and SEND Advisory Teams

    • Police and safeguarding partners

    By working collaboratively with specialists, we ensure that children and families receive the right support at the right time.

  • Professional Curiosity

    An essential part of safeguarding is professional curiosity.

    Our staff are trained to:

    • Look beyond presenting behaviours.

    • Notice small changes in presentation, wellbeing or attendance.

    • Ask questions when something does not feel right.

    • Consider what a child may be communicating through their behaviour.

    • Challenge respectfully and seek further information where appropriate.

    We know that effective safeguarding requires vigilance, reflection and a willingness to explore concerns rather than make assumptions.

  • Robust Systems and Procedures

    We have comprehensive safeguarding systems in place to ensure concerns are identified, recorded, monitored and responded to effectively.

    These include:

    • A highly trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) team.

    • Secure recording and monitoring systems.

    • Clear reporting procedures for all staff.

    • Regular safeguarding training and updates.

    • Safer recruitment procedures.

    • Appropriate filtering and monitoring of technology.

    • Attendance monitoring and early intervention processes.

    • Whistleblowing procedures.

    • Regular safeguarding audits and reviews.

    • Strong governance oversight.

    Safeguarding is a standing agenda item within leadership and governance meetings and is continually reviewed to ensure best practice.

  • Fully Compliant with Statutory Guidance

    We are fully compliant with all safeguarding legislation and statutory requirements, including:

    • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

    • Working Together to Safeguard Children

    • The Children Act 1989 and 2004

    • The Education Act 2002

    • The Equality Act 2010

    • The Prevent Duty

    • Data Protection legislation

    • Children's social care safeguarding procedures

    • Relevant Department for Education guidance

    All staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates to ensure they remain informed about current risks, emerging issues and statutory requirements.

  • A Proactive Approach to Safeguarding

    Safeguarding is most effective when it is preventative.

    We actively teach children how to keep themselves safe through:

    • Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education

    • Relationships and Health Education

    • Online Safety Education

    • Anti-Bullying Education

    • Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes

    • Protective behaviours and resilience building

    • Assemblies, workshops and pupil voice activities


Our aim is not only to protect children from harm, but also to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to navigate the world safely and successfully.

 

Our Commitment

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and able to flourish.

By placing children at the centre of decision-making, building strong relationships, working closely with families and partner agencies, maintaining rigorous systems and remaining fully compliant with statutory guidance, we strive to provide the highest standards of safeguarding for every child, every day.