Safeguarding - CF
Further safeguarding information can be found for the Exe Valley and MoorswayFederation here: Exe Valley Federation - Safeguarding
If you wish to contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead please telephone the school office on 01363 866456 or email safeguarding@exevalleyfederation.org.uk. This email is monitored throughout school holidays and incoming emails are passed on to the relevant DSL
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
The Exe Valley and Moorsway Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.
The federation aims to provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment which promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child and strive to make sure that every child in the federation schools feel secure, well cared for and able to reach their full potential.
The federation understands, and is committed to, the vital contribution that all governors, staff, parents and children can make to safeguarding children. We take the recruitment of new staff at every level very seriously and undertake a robust and thorough recruitment and vetting process before any appointments are made. We make sure that all staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse and know what to do if they suspect a child is at risk of, or is being, harmed. Every member of staff has a collective recognition of the importance of providing an environment that helps children feel safe and respected, and a culture that encourages children to talk openly, and have the confidence they will be listened to when they talk to a trusted adult.
Safeguarding is the proactive stance, which aims to protect children from abuse or harm and Child Protection is the reactive stance taken to support students, whom the school suspects may be in need of protection.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our safeguarding policy which can be viewed on the federation website in the 'policies' section.
We take allegations of ‘peer on peer’ abuse very seriously and if a child (anyone under the age of 18) commits an act of sexual violence or harassment against another child we will always investigate it. If an offence has been committed, we will report it to the police (even if the alleged perpetrator is under 10 – the age of criminal responsibility). We will ensure that no-one dismiss an incident as ‘banter’, ‘part of growing up’ or ‘having a laugh’.
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 parents/carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.
SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS
If you are concerned about the safety of a child in Devon or want to speak to someone, or if you are a child worried about your own safety, you can contact Front Door (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub or MASH) by calling on 0345 155 1071. If a child is in immediate danger please call 999. Anyone who is concerned about a child’s safety or well-being can contact the Front Door.
If you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, or you are being abused yourself and live within Devon Local Authority boundaries, please contact us by calling Adult Social Care on 0345 1551 007 (Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm and Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm).
Outside of the hours above or on bank holidays call the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388.
Alternatively, you can email: safeguardingadultseast-mailbox@devon.gov.uk (Exeter, East and Mid Devon).
Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership
Volunteer Safeguarding Training
NSPCC SPEAK OUT STAY SAFE
Safeguarding – Speak Out, Stay Safe
At Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We want all children to feel safe, valued and listened to, and to have the confidence to speak to a trusted adult if something is worrying them.
We are proud to support the NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe campaign, which helps children understand their right to feel safe and teaches them that they have a voice. Through age-appropriate activities and resources, children learn about different types of harm, how to recognise when something doesn't feel right, and the importance of speaking out and asking for help.
We deliver these important messages alongside our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) curriculum, ensuring that safeguarding, healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing and personal safety are woven throughout children's learning. This includes helping children to:
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Understand their rights and the importance of feeling safe.
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Recognise that their body belongs to them and understand personal boundaries.
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Identify trusted adults they can talk to if they are worried or need help.
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Understand that it is always okay to speak out, even if something feels difficult to talk about.
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Recognise that they will be listened to and taken seriously.
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Develop the confidence to keep asking for help until someone listens.
We reinforce the message that children are never to blame if something happens to them, and that there is always someone who can help.
Our aim is to create a culture where children feel confident to use their voices, know that they will be heard and understand that they never have to deal with worries alone.
Further information can be found here: NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe