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The Hermitage School

Inspire, Learn, Achieve

Safeguarding and Online Safety

Safeguarding Children at The Hermitage School

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This means that we have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and procedures in place. All staff (including supply staff, volunteers and governors) must ensure that they are aware of these procedures. Parents and carers are welcome to read the policy which is available on our policies page.

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

Please  click here to access the New Surrey Safeguarding Children Arrangements.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are:

Mrs C Spires- Executive Headteacher

Mrs G Condon – Deputy Headteacher

Mr S Greenwood – Assistant Headteacher

Mrs S Boulcott - ELSA

Miss L Dean - Orchard Centre Support Assistant

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, please record your concern, and any observations or conversation heard, and report to one of the DSLs as soon as possible the same day. Do NOT conduct your own investigation.

If your concerns relate to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff (which could suggest that she/he is unsuitable to work with children) then you should report this to one of the DSLs in confidence, who will refer the matter to the Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher), who will consider what action to take.

Online Safety

At The Hermitage School we understand the importance of technology in the modern world we live in. Many children can access the internet easily from smart phones and tablets and there are many valuable resources and apps which can support your child's learning.  We believe it is important to equip pupils with the necessary skills; preparing them for their digital futures. As a result internet safety plays an important part of learning at our school.

We aim to work with parents and carers to ensure that children use the internet safely, responsibly and positively.

Relevant school policies and guidance:

  • Online Safety Policy
  • ICT Policy
  • ICT Acceptable Use Policy for staff
  • Social Media Policy
  • Safeguarding Policy
  • Behaviour and Exclusions Policy
  • Anti-Bullying Policy
  • Bullying: A Guide for Parents
  • How to Deal with Bullying: A Guide for Pupils
  • PSHE and Citizenship Policy
  • Rules for Responsible Internet Use for parents and pupils

Although children and young people are likely to be equally or more advanced internet users than their parents/carers, being proficient in technology does not mean they have the life-experience and wisdom to handle all of the situations they encounter (www.getsafeonline.org).

 

The Click CEOP button (pictured left) is an asset of the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. The CEOP Command works to protect children from the harm of sexual abuse and exploitation both online and offline. 

For further information and guidance to keeping your child safe online, please visit http://parentinfo.org/.