Safeguarding
At Mount Tamar School we recognise our moral and statutory responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.
Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm - safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment - and that we all feel safe in our environment.
We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. Our procedures apply to all staff and governors, and are consistent with those of the Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board (PSCB).
- The welfare of the child is paramount
- All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal right to protection
- All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm
- Report any inappropriate behaviour/activities to designated staff
- Pupils and staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support
- All staff will receive safeguarding training which will be maintained annually
- All staff believe that our school should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child
- Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk and are listened to
- Ensure that children know they can approach any adult in school if they are worried, and they will receive a consistent supportive response
- Provide, within the curriculum, opportunities for children to develop the skills they need to recognise, and stay safe from, abuse
The school safeguards students with reference to the following Department for Education guidance documents:
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023,
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024,
- The Prevent Duty 2023.
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We ensure that our concerns about our students are discussed with his / her parents / carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.