Safeguarding Advice for Parents
“Combe Pafford School aims to work in close partnership with parents to support the children in every way possible. However, there is a clear responsibility on all schools to ensure they work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.
As a result, if concerns are raised within the school, or a child or parent reports a situation involving possible abuse, we are required to refer such matters to the appropriate Children’s Services, in line with Government and Torbay Council policy.
It may be helpful for parents to know that the Local Authority requires Head Teachers to report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse which includes non-accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. This procedure is intended to protect children at risk and schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. This does mean that Head Teachers risk upsetting some parents by reporting a case, which on investigation proves unfounded. In such circumstances, it is hoped that parents, appreciating how difficult it is for Head Teachers to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the Head Teacher was acting in what were believed to be the child’s best interests.”
Torbay Council launches safeguarding awareness campaign
On 29th January Torbay Council launched a campaign to raise awareness of the subject of “hidden harm” or hidden child abuse. The topic was covered in a recent article in the Guardian: Hidden child abuse and the figures are supported by statistics from the Department for Education showing that that in November 2020 referrals were 12% lower than previously, despite schools being open to all children at this time, and so more able to identify concerns. Children’s Services have joined with the voluntary sector and statutory partners to promote the message that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. The council press release can be read here: Safeguarding awareness campaign launched - Torbay Council. If you are able to raise the profile of this campaign through your newsletters, websites, social media feeds and in other ways that would be really helpful. Please click on the link below for more information.