Pupil Safety
At Lincoln Castle Academy we are wholly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students. The health, safety and wellbeing of every student is of the highest importance. We have robust safeguarding processes and procedures which are under continuous development and improvement to ensure we promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our staff.
Introduction
Safeguarding legislation and guidance from government and agencies says that safeguarding means:
- Protecting children from maltreatment
- Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
- Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome.
Safeguarding includes child protection, health care plans, health and safety, site security, safety on school trips, and so much more.
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a student’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our students are discussed with his/her parents or carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be counter to the student’s welfare.
All staff receive annual Child Protection and Safeguarding update training and are aware of the procedures for passing on concerns within school. If any members of the school or local community have concerns about the welfare of a child in the school, please pass them on to the Welfare Team.
Student Welfare
The process of transfer to the Academy starts early. During Year 6 discussion takes place with primary school teachers so that we are well informed about each child’s progress. By the time September arrives, most children will have already visited the school and with the help of the children’s primary teachers, the Head of Year will already have a clear picture of each of them.
The Form Tutor is the key person for your child throughout his/her time at the Academy. It is the Form Tutor who will meet them each day for registration. He or she will help children through any concerns, help monitor their progress and encourage them to get the best out of school. Your child’s Tutor is the first point of contact in the school and we ask that you address all notes to them. Within our student support teams, in addition to the Form Tutor, each year is led by a Learning Manager, the Learning Managers work with the Assistant Principal.
Site Security
We go to great lengths to ensure that the Academy site is safe and secure for all. At break and lunchtimes, staff patrol the site and provide key supervision in the main student areas. There is also a large staff presence during lesson changeovers to ensure the corridors are safe. We have introduced a new safety system with CCTV camera security that covers integral areas. All site visitors, including parents, are asked to report to reception on arrival and to sign out on departure.
Medical Arrangements
Lincoln Castle Academy has a fully qualified First Aid Officer on duty during the Academy day who attends to students if they require medical attention. We do allow self-administration of medicines, on condition that the medicines are kept with the First Aider on reception and a parental letter of consent is provided with the medication details including dosage, times and any advice on storage.
Student Records
To help us to support your child, it is important that our records are kept up-to-date. Information recorded on students is, of course, available for parents to see on request. Essential information includes names, addresses, emergency telephone numbers, form and set lists, options and examination entries, and transport arrangements. Please do let us know whenever any changes in your child’s details occur. This information is essential should there ever be an emergency.
Confidential Information
If there is any confidential information that you feel we should know in order to understand and support your child better, please write a personal letter to the Form Tutor. You may also arrange to speak with the Form Tutor or Learning Manager.
Child Protection
Children and young people have individual rights. Above all, they have the right to have their basic needs met and to be free from harm. The protection of our children is enshrined in law and our school procedures adhere to those defined by Lincolnshire County Council. At the heart of this policy is a referral to the Social Services Division. A senior member of the Academy’s Leadership Team has a specific responsibility for child protection issues.
Protection from Bullying
Our Academy community treats all accusations of bullying as serious matters of concern. Teaching and support staff are aware of the need for vigilance and will follow up any incident that could involve bullying. Students are encouraged to take a key role in making our school a safe and happy place for everyone. They should tell someone if they are being bullied or see any form of bullying. Parents should contact the Form Tutor or Learning Manager if they suspect that their child is being bullied.
