We would like to share with you school policies and practices with regards to ensuring that children are taught and encouraged to live healthy lifestyles and adopt safe practices.

School policies are in place to ensure that there is a consistent approach to practices throughout the school and that staff, governors and volunteers adhere to them. Adults have a tremendous impact on young children and with this in mind adults at Whitecote Primary School:

• are good role models for children
• enjoy their work and working with children
• are conscientious and hard-working
• welcome and support visitors to school
• recognise and value strengths in each other and use these to support everyone
• work within the agreed policies of the school
• promote a happy, caring and safe school
• encourage children to think for themselves, ask questions and find answers
• create an environment of trust, whereby children are trusted to work seriously
• challenge and support children in their learning

The Designated Child Protection Staff are: Helen Burling, Tracey Tweed, Karen Johnstone and Mandy Cockrem, who are overseen by Frances Stead. If you have any child protection concerns please report these immediately to one of the designated team.

Child Protection

This is a sensitive area in which all staff receive regular training. Here, school and other services for children and families all work together to support the needs of children. There is also a named governor for child protection (Lucy Barr). The child protection policy can be viewed by parents on the school website or copies can be obtained from the school office.

Attendance

When children are in school their attendance is monitored on a daily basis and notable absences or patterns of absences are followed up by the attendance strategy team, lead by Frances Stead. 

Behaviour

High standards of behaviour are expected in school. However, as we all know, children do fall out from time to time. Where this is the case it is dealt with sensitively by an adult, who gives both children time to explain what the problem is and helps the issue to be resolved. Children are often reminded about our school rules and our Inspire, Nurture, Challenge ethos. They know that we work together in order for everyone to be happy and to keep safe.

Health and safety

Everyone here at Whitecote Primary School knows they have a responsibility to ensure children and adults are able to work in a healthy and safe environment. The school has several fully trained paediatric first aid members of staff, who deal with accidents should they occur.

Curriculum

Through the planned curriculum, we ensure that the issues of healthy eating, physical exercise and safety are taught. This aspect is enhanced by the many visitors to school and a broad, balanced curriculum experience for all children.

Safer recruitment and selection

This aspect is taken very seriously. Governors and the school ensure that all staff new to the school and volunteers who work in school on a regular basis undertake a DBS check and full references are acquired before the person takes up post.

Complaints

Should parents have any complaints, the school staff will listen to your concerns and will follow up any issues arising. There is a clear procedure in place. The headteacher will always be happy to meet with you and help resolve any issues. The school is committed to working closely with parents / carers for the benefit of the children. Remember no problem is too small and can often be prevented from becoming a bigger issue. If you continue to feel an issue has not been resolved, then you could contact the complaints committee of the governing body.  

We all know that children thrive better and are able to reach their full potential when school and families work closely together. All of us here at Whitecote Primary School are totally committed to this and we look forward to our continuing close partnership with you in the future.