The Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Lead at Highfield Ely is Adam Daw. Other designated people are Nadine Long, Danny Mills, Becka Butland, Sally Rowe and Jo Ellingworth. Danny Mills is also the Designated Teacher for Children in Care (CiC).
The designated Governor for Safeguarding is Bryony Surtees.
We take Safeguarding extremely seriously. We recognise that young people with SEND are far more vulnerable than others and we take appropriate action to mitigate against this. This may be in the form of additional training for our staff or simply an extra layer of scrutiny. Staff at all levels are vigilant and know how to flag concerns. We have been externally audited and these visits have shown that our practices and ethos around safeguarding are effective. If you have any questions about safeguarding, please do not hesitate to contact our Headteacher and Lead Designated Person for Safeguarding, Adam Daw on adaw@highfield.cambs.sch.uk.
Anyone with unanswered concerns regarding Safeguarding in this school should contact the NSPCC whistleblowing hotline on 0800 028 0285
See our most recent Safeguarding Policies below
Safeguarding Policies
‘Prevent’ at Highfield School
Highfield School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. We recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from other safeguarding.
At Highfield, all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
The Prevent statement links to the following policies:
- Child Protection and Safeguarding
- Anti-bullying policy
- Positive Behaviour policy
Definitions and indicators
Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.
Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views
Procedures for referral
Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Highfield Ely to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the region in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to refer any concerns through the appropriate channels (via Designated Safeguarding Officer).
The role of the curriculum
Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to share their views and recognise that they are entitled to have their own different beliefs which should not be used to influence others.
Our PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), Citizenship and SMSC ( Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural ) provision is embedded across the curriculum, and underpins the ethos of the school.
It is recognised that children with low aspirations are more vulnerable to radicalisation and therefore we strive to equip our pupils with confidence, self-belief, respect and tolerance as well as setting high standards and expectations for themselves.
Children are regularly taught about how to stay safe when using the Internet and are encouraged to recognise that people are not always who they say they are online. They are taught to seek adult help if they are upset or concerned about anything they read or see on the Internet.
Staff training
Through INSET opportunities in school, we ensure that our staff are fully aware of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that are linked to radicalisation; are aware of the process of radicalisation and how this might be identified early on.
Policy review
The Prevent statement will be reviewed as necessary.
‘Britishness’ at Highfield School
There has been much media interest over the concept of Britishness in our schools. School Leaders have written the following statement on how British values are reflected at Highfield School.
Democracy
The value of Democracy is reflected in our school ethos where each member of our community is involved in school development and is well- informed of what is happening in a busy environment.
The School Council consists of a pupil from each class, each class having an election process. They have undertaken activities such as:
- taking part in interviewing for new teachers
- conducting learning walks to find out what learning is taking place in classrooms
- choosing the focus charity of the year and planning fundraising activities
The rule of law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced in our expectations throughout every school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.
Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.
Individual liberty
Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Our PSHEE Policy underpins and supports this decision making and enables children to make the right choices. It also gives them the vocabulary to enter into a dialogue with others in their decision making. Some pupils need communication aids in order that they are able to make choices.
As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through PSHEE lessons.
Mutual respect
We pride ourselves on our positive relationships. We treat each other with mutual respect and work in a climate where openness, trust and inclusion lay the foundations for their future life. Diversity is a natural part of our school community, and is celebrated in a range of ways across the school.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice based bullying take place and are supported by learning in RE and PSHEE.