Introduction

In order to ensure the safety of all children in our care, we are required to follow the child protection procedures as agreed by the local education authority. We will endeavour to share with parents/guardians any concerns we may have regarding any injuries noted or other specific issues regarding the welfare of their child. We will keep a record of any concerns raised and will share them with the parents/guardians if it is appropriate to do so.

We do have a duty to refer to social care if we suspect a child is at risk of significant harm. If we make a referral to social care, we will inform the parents/guardians concerned; unless to do so would place the child at increased risk of significant harm. Our first concern will always be the welfare of the child.

We will also advise the designated officer of the local education authority (LADO) if there were concerns about the actions of an adult in a position of trust. (Please note that, in some areas, this role has been renamed to Designated Officer For Allegations, or DOFA)

Designated Safeguarding Leads

The designated safeguarding lead is responsible for promoting a safe environment for children and young people. They are the first point of contact for all staff and volunteers to go to for advice if they are concerned about a child. They may also need to be available out of hours, so staff and volunteers always know how to contact them, or alternatively a deputy can be appointed.

The designated safeguarding lead has a higher level of safeguarding training and knowledge than the rest of the staff and should have completed Working Together to Safeguard Children and Young People. Their role includes supporting staff to assist in information regarding concerns and support decision making about whether staff concerns are sufficient enough to notify children’s social work services or whether other courses of action are more appropriate, such as the completion of an Early Help Approach. (CSWS)FF

It is not the designated safeguarding officer's responsibility to decide whether a child has been abused or not. That is the responsibility of investigative statutory agencies such as children’s social work services or the police. However, keeping children safe is everybody’s business, and all staff should know who to go to and how to report any concerns they may have about a child being harmed or at risk of being harmed.

At John Madejski Academy, our designated safeguarding officer is Steven Barton. Steven is in charge of safeguarding at the Academy. For more information about our approach to child protection and safeguarding, review our policy by clicking the button below.

Designated Safeguarding Team

S Barton, Designated Safeguarding Lead: SBarton@johnmadejskiacademy.co.uk

L Brawn, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

M Mayne, Vice Principal (Behaviour, Safeguarding and Attendance): 
MMayne@johnmadejskiacademy.co.uk

Useful links

• Fearless - a website for young people created by Crimestoppers, as a way for young people to access information and to anonymously report incidents of crime.
• Be Brave, Speak Up - a video on the importance of speaking out against perceived neglect in light of the government's advice to stay at home.
• Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership