Operation Encompass. This is a new innovative project in which schools in Sunderland are participating, and which is run in partnership with Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police.
The project, which commenced in Spring 2017, aims to support children who are affected by domestic abuse.
Witnessing domestic abuse is really distressing for a child or young person, who often see the abuse, hear it from another room, see a parent’s injuries or distress afterwards or can be physically hurt trying to stop the abuse.
As a result, following any domestic abuse incident being reported to the police, the Police will make contact with the Council’s Initial Contact and Referral Team who will then communicate relevant and necessary information to nominated school staff. This will ensure that the school is made aware at the earliest possible opportunity and can subsequently provide support to children in a way that means they feel safe and listened to.
Each school has members of staff (key adults) who have been fully trained in liaising with police and Children’s Social Care when required, and will ensure that the necessary support is made available to the child following the disclosure of a domestic abuse incident.
We believe that this project demonstrates our school’s commitment to working in partnership to safeguard and protect children, and to providing the best possible care and support for our pupils.
In the meantime, if you would like to speak to someone further about the project or require further information please contact our key adults in school who are the Head Teacher, Peter Speck, and Lucy Hill, Deputy Head Teacher; both can be contacted via the school office. You can also find out more information here http://www.operationencompass.org/
Safeguarding
Our principle safeguarding duties and responsibilities are achieved through:
1. Raising awareness of safeguarding among staff:
At Fulwell Junior school we adhere to DfE 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' statutory safeguarding guidance. All staff have read this guidance and are aware of the safeguarding policies and procedures the school has in place and know how to recognise and report signs of abuse and neglect.
The designated safeguarding leads are:
Mr Peter Speck - Headteacher
Mrs Lucy Hill - Deputy Headteacher
Our Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding is Mr Ben Young (Chair). The Board of Governors undertake regular reviews of Safeguarding and there will be information available in the summer term identifying our current standards.
We are trained to support staff and liaise with other agencies and at anytime at least one Designated Safeguarding Lead is available to staff at all times during school hours. Staff raise any concerns about pupils’ welfare with the safeguarding leads, who will then make decisions about referrals. A referral will be made immediately where a child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm.
2. Safeguarding training:
All staff undergo safeguarding training that is regularly updated and the Designated Safeguarding Leads attend termly training updates. Every three years we run whole school safeguarding updates regarding 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'.
3. Safer recruitment:
Everyone working at Fulwell Junior School, including governors, third party staff and volunteers undergo appropriate safer recruitment checks, including the correct level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Checks are recorded on the school’s Single Central Record (SCR).When we appoint new membersof staff, at least one person on any appointment panel will have undertaken safer recruitment training.
4. Specific safeguarding issues:
All staff are aware of specific safeguarding issues such as radicalisation, child sexual exploitation, children missing education and mental health. We use appropriate internet filters and monitoring systems to keep pupils safe online.
5. Safeguarding policies:
At Fulwell Junior School we update our child protection policy and staff code of conduct annually to respond to the most up to date guidance and legislation. The child protection policy can be accessed from the 'POLICY' link on the 'About the School' page. We have robust procedures covering particular safeguarding issues such as recruitment and selection, allegations against staff, peer on peer abuse, supervision of children and children missing education, radicalisation, whistle-blowing and attendance. Parents can request copies of any of this information by contacting the school office.