The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Safeguarding is a priority in the school due to the vulnerability of the children that we teach. Safeguarding includes Child Protection, On-line Safety, Safer recruitment of Staff and general security and safety of the building and all other aspects relating to Health and Safety.
Every pupil, member of staff and visitor deserves to be safe and to feel safe when at Herons Dale. Safety of everyone is a priority for the Governing body, all staff, pupils and their families, volunteers and visitors, safeguarding is the responsibility of all of us.
"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 safeguarding children. 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 – September 2016).
Our Designated Child Protection Officers are:
Teresa O’Connell - Deputy Headteacher
Isabel Robson - Headteacher
Anastasia O'Donoghue - Deputy Headteacher
Sandra Gould - Family Liaison Officer
Child Protection leads have all undertaken the necessary training and understand and follow the West Sussex County Council procedures.
Safer Recruitment training has also been undertaken by a number of governors, thus ensuring procedures are in place to reduce the risks involved with recruiting new staff. The national guidelines and advice are strictly adhered to.
Child Protection Policy
Please see below links to recommended websites to help support safeguarding children at home
Designated safeguarding leads can be contacted on dsl@heronsdale.co.uk
