Safeguarding

Safeguarding means that every child has the right to be safe from harm and danger. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure every child is free from fear and able to learn and develop in safe, secure environments.

Children are undoubtedly impacted by anything that affects their family. We invite you, as their parent, to approach us if you think we can be of help. Often, an initial conversation is a good starting point to tackling a problem and, if the school itself is unable to help directly, then we have strong links with other agencies and support services with whom we can put you in touch.

 We encourage the children to talk to a member of staff if there is something troubling them. We employ the services of the Hertfordshire Counselling service. If you feel this might be needed, then do speak to your child’s class teacher, or call the Office to speak with our SENCo.

To ensure a safe environment for our pupils, we

• Follow accepted procedures for Safer Recruitment
• Provide safeguarding training for everyone who comes into contact with pupils including staff, volunteers, and regular visitors
• Ensure that all staff, volunteers, and regular visitors understand that Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility (Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2018, Department for Education) and are aware of the process to follow if they have a concern for a child.This is explained in our Child Protection Policy (See Policies section on website; printed copy to read available at the School Office).
• Seek help or advice from other specialist agencies if we believe that it is in the best interests of the child. We will always try to include the parents in any decisions we make though in circumstances where a child’s safety is concerned, we may have to go ahead with this without the consent of parents  

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023

Safeguarding Policy 

Child Protection Policy 

If you do have a concern about a child please contact one of our Designated Senior Leads on 01442 211963 or via head@holtsmereinfants.herts.sch.uk

Mrs Nicola O’Connell

Miss Safina Razzaque

Mrs Kathryn Lloyd 

If you feel that a child is in immediate danger of abuse or mistreatment you should phone the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Hub on 0300 123 4043 or the police on 999.