The Governors and staff of Riddings Infant and Nursery School take seriously their responsibility to promote the safeguarding and welfare of all children entrusted to our care.

Riddings Infant School fully recognises its responsibilities for Child Protection and Safeguarding. 

Safeguarding arrangements are underpinned by three key principles:

• Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility: all Staff, Governors and Volunteers should play their full part in keeping children safe.
• That Riddings Infant School operates a child-centred approach: a clear understanding of the needs, wishes, views and voices of children.
• That all Staff, Governors and Volunteers have a clear understanding regarding abuse and neglect in all forms; including how to identify, respond and report. This also includes knowledge in the process for allegations against professionals. Staff, Governors and Volunteers should feel confident that they can report all matters of safeguarding children in the School where the information will be dealt with swiftly and securely, following the correct procedures with the safety and wellbeing of the children in mind at all times.

The curriculum includes opportunities to discuss feelings and emotions, and helps our children to think about their own personal safety and their rights as individuals to be kept safe from harm.  Our sex and relationships programme teaches our children about keeping themselves safe from harm, at an age appropriate level. We also have clear guidance to help children to use the internet safely. 

Our policies and agreed practises for safeguarding practices and safety, behaviour management, attendance and looked after children all comply with the recommendations for safeguarding children at school. In addition we have policies that outline how we respond to cases of allegations against staff, whistle-blowing and the use of physical intervention.

Early help

Early help, also known as early intervention, is support given to a family when a problem first emerges. It can be provided at any stage in a child or young person's life.

Early help services can be delivered to parents, children or whole families, but their main focus is to improve outcomes for children. For example, services may help parents who are living in challenging circumstances provide a safe and loving environment for their child. Or, if a child is displaying risk-taking behaviour, early help practitioners might work with the child and their parents to find out the reasons for the child's behaviour and put strategies in place to help keep them safe.

Protective factors can reduce risk to a child's wellbeing. They include:

• developing strong social and emotional skills
• having a strong social support network for the family – including support
• for good parental mental health
• income support, benefits and advice
• good community services and facilities

Please see our 'Family support / Early help' section under the 'Parents' section on the website for further details of how we as a school offer comprehensive Early Help support.

We all play a part in keeping our children safe. If anyone has a concern regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child you can contact the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Rachel Farnsworth by phoning the school on 01773 602767 in school time only.

If you have concern about the immediate safety of a child, or concern out of hours you should contact Derbyshire County Council Starting Point on 01629 533190 or email on www.derbyshire.gov.uk/startingpoint  

Safer working practices

Our school is committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare and expects all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment.

It is our willingness to work in a safe manner and challenge inappropriate behaviour that underpins this commitment.  Everyone is expected to adhere to this ‘Code of Conduct’ and the DfE’s ‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People in Educational Settings (May 2018).

All visitors must sign in and wear the school’s visitor badge. In addition, visiting professionals will also be expected to show and wear their photo ID badge provided by their employer.

Safeguarding Roles 2023 - 2024

If you need advice or support with something please use the links below;

We all play a key part in keeping children safe, if anyone has a concern about the safety of a child during this holiday period when school is closed please contact Derbyshire County Council Starting point on 01629 533190. Please do not report to the school office as messages will not consistently be picked up.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/