Safeguarding policy

Safeguarding of Children

Our safety and welfare of children is paramount, we ensure everyone who works in schools is aware of safeguarding children

Apex Education Recruitment ensure everyone knows they have a responsibility for ‘Keeping Children Safe’ from the first moment they are working with children whilst working with us. As a temporary member of staff, you have a statutory responsibility as with all staff members from the onset for ‘Keeping Children Safe’

If you need to update your Safeguard training – Speak to one of our office team about an up-to-date Accredited Safeguarding Course we can offer free for anyone working with us.

Please read and understand BEFORE going into school

Any queries please call and speak to one of us at the office immediately

    • Each schools safeguarding policy is on their website, we expect this to be read prior to your 1st day (unless called in an emergency)
    • Make yourself aware of who the school’s safeguarding officers are from their website or as soon as you arrive on day 1
    • Be prepared and make sure you have completed and are up to date with child protection and safeguarding training; failure to do so will leave you vulnerable and potentially at risk
    • Be aware of the school’s policy and procedure for ‘touch’ of pupils this can vary from type of school and students that you may be working with. Respecting personal space is also very important.
    • Working with SEND students you may not be given all background information on the student due to confidentiality. You will have an overview of their needs and be prepared with triggers, traits and how to work with such students in a positive and safe environment
    • We expect professional conduct at all times and positive reinforcement to learning and social interaction following the clear safeguarding policy of the client. Any conduct from a worker that is deemed unacceptable or damaging to the safety of a child will be investigated fully (see point 4 at end of this policy)
    • Only use Positive Handling if trained and advised by the school that it is OK to do so
    • If you need to discuss any student do so with a safeguarding officer or the SENDCo unless directed otherwise by the management of the school. Do not discuss any student with any adults outside of the classroom, be aware of the confidentiality policy.
    • You are under the confidentiality and management of the client you are working with. You can also discuss any concerns with Christie Horton or Karen Maynard at Apex Education Recruitment
    • If you have any accidents/incidents, please inform us asap so we can liaise with all relevant parties where necessary and we have the information to assist with any further action
    • Pupils always remember and respect a fair, firm and creative member of staff. Remember you are not their friend, keep a professional line.

 

FOLLOW UP PROCEDURE

If you notice a child protection/safeguarding issue – report it straight away – the worst you can is NOTHING

    1. Any concerns must be raised at the earliest opportunity to either the schools safeguarding officer or management at Apex Education Recruitment
    2. You can use the whistleblowing policy of each client if you feel you cannot raise concerns with either party above or direct to the LADO team or NSPCC
    3. You must conduct yourself in a professional manner with safeguarding of children as a priority and strict workings under the school’s policies and guidelines; also, under the wider guidelines set out on the .gov.uk policies of ‘Keeping Children Safe’ in England.
    4. Failure to comply with strict safeguarding policies and working practices may result in you being withdrawn from working with Apex Education Recruitment and may be followed through to be investigated further if deemed serious enough to do so.
    5. Any safeguarding concerns raised by yourself will be followed through by the safeguarding procedure of the client and with Karen Maynard, Director of Apex Education Recruitment; it may involve further parties who need to be contacted in any investigation.