Safeguarding

Safeguarding Information

Our ethos

Hilltop School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We create an ethos where pupils feel secure, are encouraged to talk, are listened to and are safe. Staff know pupils well and are able to notice changes in behaviour which may indicate that they are worried or concerned about something. Where possible, children and young people are encouraged to talk freely to any member of staff about any concerns they may have.

Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children. We recognise that all staff at our school play a particularly important role as they are in a position to identify concerns early and provide help for children to prevent concerns from escalating. All staff are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned.

What we will do if we have a concern about a child

If we notice a bruise or mark which is unexplained then we will contact parents/carers. The majority of marks and bruises that we see can be easily explained. We encourage parents/carers to let us know if they notice a bruise or a mark at home so this can be documented on our records – class teams can easily be contacted via the home/school diary, email or telephone call.

Sometimes children communicate things to staff which can appear concerning. If we are worried, our first action would be to talk to parents/carers who know their child the best.

Likewise, if anyone has concerns regarding the care of a child in school or any issues regarding

unexplained marks or bruises or changes in behaviour, then it is important that they let us know so that we can follow the concerns up.

If a matter is a Child Protection concern, then we cannot guarantee confidentiality. We may need to share information with other agencies. Any decision that the school makes, does so in the belief that they are acting in the best interests of the child.

Please see our safeguarding policy for further information.