Safeguarding Statement 

Buckingham Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all of our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy which can be viewed here:

https://primarysite-prod-sorted.s3.amazonaws.com/buckinghamprimary/UploadedDocument/7b325405e9bb41a79c5b291e40022c5d/policy-for-child-protection-and-safeguarding.pdf

Sometimes, when there are concerns about a child's welfare, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents and carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.

We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism:  http://www.buckingham.richmond.sch.uk/radicalisation-and-extremism/

• Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is: Ms. Caroline Boyle (Headteacher).
• Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is: Mrs. Sarah Day (Assistant Headteacher)
• The School Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding is: Prof. John Nicholson. 

Child Line Contact Details: 

0800 1111

https://www.childline.org.uk/kids/

Single Point of Access – (SPA)

To report a concern about a child or young person the following SPA agencies can be contacted:

• Richmond - Call 020 8547 5008 from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or 020 8770 5000 out of hours.
• Hounslow – Call 020 8583 6600 option 2 or if Out of Hours (after 5.00 p.m. weekdays or weekends), call 020 8583 2222 and ask to speak to the duty social worker

 Photographs and Videos

Whilst lots of parents and carers really enjoy seeing photographs and videos of their children’s school life, we are mindful of our duty of care towards all of our pupils. We take the issue of safeguarding very seriously and this includes the use of photographic and video images.

Any photographs or videos taken by parents, carers and family members of their own children at school productions, sports days or other similar events are for the enjoyment of these individual families alone. They must not be used in any way that could potentially place a child at risk. This includes the publishing of images in any form of print or on the internet including social networking sites. This is emphasised before all of our concerts and shows.

Occasionally we arrange for photographs of school events or special achievements to feature in the local press. We also like to use photographs of our children on our website, in school documents, for parent information meetings, newsletters and on our display boards around the school. If you do not wish photographs of your child to be used in this way, this can be made clear when you compete the school admission form when your child joins the school or you can opt out at any time by notifying the school office.

Sexual violence and sexual harassment

Buckingham Primary School follows the DfE’s advice about sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment between Children in Schools and Colleges (DfE May 2018).

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719902/Sexual_violence_and_sexual_harassment_between_children_in_schools_and_colleges.pdf

Sexual violence and sexual harassment can occur between two pupils of any sex. They can also occur through a group of pupils sexually assaulting or sexually harassing a single pupil or group of pupils.

It is more likely that girls will be the victims of sexual violence and more likely that sexual harassment will be perpetrated by boys.

Sexual violence and sexual harassment exist on a continuum and may overlap, they can occur online and offline (both physical and verbal) and are never acceptable.

Buckingham Primary School will ensure that all victims are taken seriously and offered appropriate support.

Sexual violence and sexual harassment is not acceptable at Buckingham Primary School. Behaviours such as making sexual remarks, grabbing bottoms, breasts and genitalia is not ‘banter’ or ‘having a laugh’ and will never be tolerated.

Buckingham Primary School recognises that the following pupils can be especially vulnerable to sexual violence and sexual harassment:

• Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Pupils who are Lesbian, Gay, Bi, or Trans, Questioning (LGBTQ) or who are perceived to be LGBTQ by their peers.

Further information is available within the school’s Policy for Child Protection and Safeguarding which is available under the School Policies tab on this website.

Any concerns relating to sexual violence and/or sexual harassment should be directed in writing to the Headteacher and will be fully investigated.