Safeguarding

Our Safeguarding Aim

To have a school culture of protection, prevention and support. 

Our Safeguarding Ethos

Our school is committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare and expects all staff, LAB members, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment. The school seeks to work in partnership with families and other agencies to improve the outcomes for children who are vulnerable or in need.

"Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child centred. This means that they should consider at all times, what is in the best interests of the child." Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2019

Safeguarding in Merryfields School 

We listen to all of our pupils and encourage them to approach us with any concerns. As some of our pupils are pre-verbal, they are encouraged to communicate using appropriate methods, suitable to them. We encourage pupils with any concerns, to identify an appropriate or trusted adult to confide in. The poster attached below is displayed in every classroom. 

Safeguarding also has a place within our Curriculum and Assemblies.  Within PHSE, there are a number of topics which span across year groups with a focus on Safeguarding, including 'Learning Strategies for Making Decisions and Saying No,' 'Safe and Unsafe Relationships' and 'E-Safety.' We also take part in Anti-Bullying Week annually and our Pupil Mentor delivers individualised and/or small group work for pupils who need extra support.  

We also encourage visitors like PCSO's and NSPCC to come in to speak to our pupils and deliver their own Safeguarding programmes - For example Speak out. Stay Safe. 

Personal Care - Merryfields school have a personal care policy and pupils requiring support with personal care have an individualised Personal Care Plan, created in partnership with parents and relevant Health professionals. 

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Geraldine Eld

Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Neil Branningan and Nicole Minor

Our Pupil Mentor is Melissa Poole

Our Safeguarding Local Academy Board Member is Karen Armitt

Click here to see our Keeping Safe at School Poster for pupils. 

Click here to see what you can do to safeguard children, as outlined by the NSPCC