Safeguarding at Albany

Safeguarding in schools is the mandatory, comprehensive duty to promote child welfare, protect students from maltreatment, prevent impairment of health or development, and ensure safe, effective care. It involves implementing whole-school policies, robust staff training, safe recruitment, and swift action on concerns. Key to this is a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and a culture of vigilance. 

Key Aspects of Safeguarding

• Identifying Concerns: Staff must be trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, bullying, or mental health issues.

• Statutory Guidance: Schools must follow Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 Guidelines.  

• Child Protection: Specific actions taken to protect individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
• Preventative Measures: Creating a safe school environment, including secure premises and online safety

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School Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) (DSLs): Members of the leadership team responsible for managing safeguarding concerns.
• Safer Recruitment: Vetting all staff and volunteers to ensure they are suitable to work with children.
• Policies and Procedures: Clear policies on child protection, staff conduct, and managing allegations.
• Training: Regular, mandatory safeguarding training for all staff to ensure they are confident in identifying and reporting concerns.
• Information Sharing: Working with local authorities and partners to protect children. 

Core Principles
Safeguarding aligns with principles of empowerment, prevention, protection, proportionality, partnership, and accountability. It covers all children under the age of 18, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, or belief.