At Pilton Infants', the safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding children from harm and have clear procedures in place to ensure that any concerns are reported and acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner.

What is Child Protection?

Child protection is part of safeguarding, focusing specifically on protecting children from abuse and neglect. Our staff are trained to recognise the signs of abuse and follow strict procedures to ensure every child receives the protection and care they need.

Types of Abuse

We have a legal duty to report any concerns of the following types of abuse to the appropriate authorities:

• Neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic needs (e.g., food, shelter, medical care).
• Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm (e.g., hitting, shaking, or any non-accidental injury).
• Emotional Abuse: Causing emotional harm through negative treatment, such as constant criticism, threats, or emotional neglect.
• Sexual Abuse: Involving a child in sexual activity, either directly or through exploitation, whether in person or online.

Our staff are vigilant in identifying these signs and acting swiftly to ensure the child’s safety.

Reporting Concerns

If a member of staff or a volunteer has concerns about a child’s welfare, they are required to report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Deputy Safeguarding Lead immediately. In some cases, we may need to report concerns directly to external safeguarding authorities such as the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) without informing parents, if we believe it is in the child's best interest.

What Happens After a Concern is Reported?

1. Internal Review: Once a concern is raised, the Designated Safeguarding Lead will review the information and determine the next steps.
2. Action: Depending on the severity of the concern, actions may include:
   • Speaking with the child to gather more information.
   • Contacting parents or carers to discuss the concern (unless it’s deemed unsafe to do so).
   • Referring the case to external agencies such as MASH or Social Services.
3. Support: We ensure that any child involved in a safeguarding concern receives the necessary emotional and practical support, whether through the school or external services.

Working with Parents

While we aim to work closely with parents regarding any concerns, there may be cases where we are legally required to act without informing them, if we believe this is in the best interest of the child. This decision is not taken lightly and is done to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.

Child Protection Policy

For more detailed information about how we manage safeguarding and child protection concerns, you can view our full Child Protection Policy. This document outlines our procedures, responsibilities, and the steps we take to ensure the safety of all children.

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Signs of Abuse to Look Out For

As a parent or carer, it’s helpful to be aware of common signs of abuse. While not exhaustive, the following may indicate that a child is at risk:

• Neglect: Poor hygiene, consistent hunger, or unattended medical needs.
• Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruising, or fear of going home.
• Emotional Abuse: Withdrawal, low self-esteem, or overly critical language.
• Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual knowledge, secrecy, or reluctance to be alone with certain individuals.

If you notice any of these signs, or have concerns about a child’s safety, we encourage you to contact the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.