Safeguarding Information for Visitors & Volunteers

Safeguarding Information

At Conway Primary School, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment for all children, and we expect all staff, governors, volunteers, contractors and visitors to support us in maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

Visitor Expectations

To help us safeguard all pupils, we ask that visitors adhere to the following procedures:

All visitors must sign in at Reception using the school's Inventry System upon arrival.
Visitors will be issued with a visitor badge, which must be worn and clearly visible at all times whilst on the school site.
On their first visit, visitors are required to read the school's Safeguarding Information for Visitors leaflet.
Visitors should remain in Reception until accompanied by, or under the supervision of, a designated member of staff.
Mobile phones and personal devices should be switched off and stored securely during the visit.
If the use of a mobile phone or camera-enabled device is necessary, it must only be used in areas not accessed by pupils, such as designated offices or the staff room.
Photographs, videos or audio recordings of pupils must not be taken without prior authorisation from the school.
Visitors working with children should ensure that the class teacher is aware of the activity, the location and the expected duration.
One-to-one work with a child should take place in an open and observable environment, such as a room with an open door or clear visibility through a window.

Reporting Concerns

If you have any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, you must report them immediately to the child's class teacher or a member of the Safeguarding Team.

If a class teacher is unavailable, please contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead directly.

If you have concerns regarding the conduct of another adult within the school, you should speak immediately with a member of the Safeguarding Team.

Please remember: no concern is too small. Always share concerns with school staff rather than attempting to manage them independently.

If a Child Makes a Disclosure

If a child shares information that gives rise to a safeguarding concern:

Remain calm and listen carefully.
Allow the child to speak freely without interruption.
Do not promise confidentiality, as safeguarding concerns must be shared with appropriate staff.
Do not ask leading questions, investigate or make judgements.
Use open prompts such as "Tell me", "Explain" or "Describe" only if clarification is absolutely necessary.
Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking to you.
Record the information accurately using the child's own words.
Complete an Orange Safeguarding Concern Form and pass it immediately to a member of the Safeguarding Team.

Only trained safeguarding professionals should investigate concerns or interview children regarding potential abuse.

A copy of the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on our website and from the school office.

Types of Harm

Everyone has a responsibility to help keep children safe. Abuse and neglect can take many forms and are generally categorised as:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves deliberately causing physical harm or injury to a child.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is involved in or exposed to sexual activities, whether physical or non-physical, including inappropriate images, online activities or sexualised behaviour.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves persistent behaviours that negatively affect a child's emotional development, self-esteem or sense of worth. This may include intimidation, threats, humiliation, rejection or exposure to domestic abuse.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a child's basic physical, emotional, educational or medical needs are not adequately met. Examples may include poor hygiene, inadequate supervision, missed medical appointments or persistent absence from education.

If in doubt, always seek advice from the Safeguarding Team.

Fire and Emergency Procedures

In the Event of Fire

Any person discovering a fire should:

Activate the nearest fire alarm immediately.
Ensure that the emergency services are contacted by dialling 999 where appropriate.

Upon Hearing the Fire Alarm

Follow the instructions of the supervising staff member.
Evacuate using the designated escape route.
Proceed calmly and quietly to the designated assembly point.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Do not run or overtake others during evacuation.
Once at the assembly point, report to the School Business Manager, Fire Warden or designated member of staff.

First Aid

If a child requires first aid assistance during the school day, please contact a member of the school's trained First Aid Team. Details of qualified First Aiders are available from the school office.

Lockdown and Intruder Procedures

In the event of an intruder or other security-related incident, the safety of pupils and staff is paramount.

Any person becoming aware of an intruder on site should immediately notify the Headteacher, School Business Manager or School Office.

The school will contact the police and implement lockdown procedures as required.

During a Lockdown

If in a Classroom:

Lock or secure doors where appropriate.
Close blinds and curtains.
Move pupils away from doors and windows.
Maintain a calm atmosphere and reassure pupils.
Await further instructions from senior leaders or emergency services.

If Elsewhere in School:

Escort pupils quickly and calmly to the nearest secure classroom.
Follow classroom lockdown procedures.

If on the Playground:

Follow staff instructions immediately.
Move away from the buildings and proceed to the designated safe location.
Remain calm and await further instructions.

Suspicious Package or Incendiary Device Procedures

If a suspicious package or possible incendiary device is discovered:

Do not touch, move or tamper with the item.
Contact the police immediately by dialling 999.
Follow the school's emergency evacuation procedures.
Move calmly and directly to the designated assembly area.
Do not collect personal belongings.
Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by emergency services or senior leaders.

Assembly points and evacuation routes are displayed throughout the school and are detailed within the school's Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures Policy.

At Conway Primary School, safeguarding remains our highest priority. Every visitor plays an important role in helping us maintain a safe, secure and supportive environment where children can learn, thrive and achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding Information for Visitors & Volunteers