Safeguarding

Leigh Academy Milestone is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and requires all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.

Click on the links below to view the relevant information.

Our team is dedicated to supporting you and can be reached during normal working hours of 8:30am-4:00pm during term time.  Telephone: 01474 709420

Most children enjoy generally happy childhood experiences within their own family. Unfortunately for some this is not the case. During difficult family times, everyone who knows the child must do the best they can to protect them from future harm.

You must inform the safeguarding team if you become concerned about:

• Physical injury
• Presentation or physical appearance
• Changes of behaviour
• A disclosure of allegation

If you feel that a child may be at risk of harm but are not sure, then inform one of the Safeguarding Team immediately. They will offer advice and take appropriate action.

We all have a responsibility to keep children safe, both at home and at school.

Abuse is identified in four ways:

• React calmly
• Listen carefully to the child, particularly what is said spontaneously
• Do not promise confidentiality, explain to the child that you may need to pass on the information
• Do not ask leading questions or make judgements.
• Clarify and check your concern if you feel that you are not sure, but as soon as you believe there might be a genuine issue, ask no further questions as this may compromise further enquiries
• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing and inform them of the next steps

If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff following an observation or disclosure then you must:

• Inform the Principal immediately
• In their absence, inform a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team

• All visitors must report to reception on arrival. You will be signed in and given a visitor pass which must be worn and visible at all times
• No visitor is permitted to enter the school via any other entrance under any circumstances
• Visitors are asked to read this leaflet in full on their first visit
• Switch off your mobile phone/device and store it in your bag. In the event that you do need to use your mobile phone or camera enabled device, please only do so in the staff room or in one of the offices
• Photographs are not to be taken unless by prior arrangement
• Be a good role model to our pupils by being respectful, fair and considerate of others. Remember children may interpret your words/actions differently
• All visitors must sign out at reception and return their lanyard before leaving

ALL STAFF SHOULD CHALLENGE A VISITOR TO SCHOOL WEARING A RED LANYARD WHO IS NOT BEING ESCORTED BY A MEMBER OF STAFF.

You may be concerned about a child or young person. You may or may not know them, or even their name. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Abuse can take many different forms, such as neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse and even emotional abuse.

Don’t assume that someone else will take responsibility and make that phone call. You could help to save a child’s life. If you are worried, report it.

Tell someone!

Please contact Specialist Children’s Services or the Police immediately:

• Kent Central Duty Team
  Telephone: 03000 411111
  Fax: 03000 412345
• Emergency Out of Hours
  Telephone: 03000 419191
  E-mail: social.services@kent.gov.uk
• Kent Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit: 01622 690 690

If you need to advise us of a child or young person moving into Kent from another area, please contact the Safeguarding Unit on 01622 694157.

If you believe that a child or young person is at IMMEDIATE risk, you should treat this as an emergency and call the academy, or call 999 to report your concerns to the Police.