Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s mental health and physical health or development; ensuring that 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.
Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm. It relates to aspects of school life including:
- pupils’ health and safety
- the use of reasonable force
- meeting the needs of pupils with medical conditions
- providing first aid
- educational visits
- intimate care
- internet or online safety
- appropriate arrangements to ensure school security, taking into account the local context.
At Market Drayton Junior School, safeguarding is central to everything we do and is the responsibility of every member of our school community. All staff receive safeguarding training to help them identify signs of abuse and promote the welfare of our pupils.
We believe that children thrive when they feel safe. Through our daily routines, curriculum, and partnerships with specialist organisations such as the NSPCC, we empower pupils to recognise abuse, stay safe both online and offline, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they have any worries.
If you have any concerns about a child please contact one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) in school.
We understand that families may need additional support at times. If you are facing challenges or need help, please speak to us – there are many ways we can assist.
Child Protection
What to do if you think a child is being harmed or is at risk
If you think a child or young person is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed, then you must contact Children Services and tell them your concerns.
It might be you that is being harmed.
Do not delay, please contact us straight away
The agencies below are here to help you.
Protecting Vulnerable People (West Mercia Police) 0300 333 3000
Shropshire’s Safeguarding Partnership – Initial Contact Team: 0345 678 9021 (out of hours: 0345 6789040)
NSPCC 0800 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
If you are looking for information, you can also have a look at the website of Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership. The SSCP is a representative group of agencies in Shropshire involved in safeguarding children and child protection, and its website contains contact details, links and documentation.
The NSPCC have previously broadcast a TV advert to raise awareness of how parents can help their younger children keep safe from child sexual abuse (PANTS). Please click here NSPCC PANTS.
At Market Drayton Junior School, we follow guidelines from the NSPCC about staying safe and teach the underwear rule.
What is Operation Encompass?
Market Drayton Junior School is part of the national project, Operation Encompass, which is being delivered by West Mercia Police.
- Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools, when a child or young person has been involved in or exposed to domestic abuse.
- Operation Encompass is a national multi-agency initiative for the safeguarding of children experiencing or exposed to domestic abuse and a preventative measure to try and influence how the effects of the experience may impact on these children as future adults.
- The purpose of the information sharing is to ensure schools have more information to support safeguarding of children. By knowing that the child has had this experience, the school is in a better position to understand and be supportive of the child’s needs and possible behaviours.
- Operation Encompass will complement existing safeguarding procedures.
