Author: A Patterson

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
Lurgan Junior High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and requires all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. This leaflet contains information about our expectations of you whilst visiting the school. If you are unclear about anything in it please speak to any of the contacts named within. Please keep the leaflet in a safe place so that you can read it again if you need to.
If you are concerned about the safety of any child in our school, you must report this to the Designated Safeguarding Teacher for Child Protection.
If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff or a volunteer in our school, you must contact the Principal, Mr James McCoy.
Notice to visitors
Your safety and well-being during your visit are important to us. As a visitor you have a legal duty to care for the Health and Safety of yourself and others.
If the Fire alarm sounds, leave the building by the nearest exit and proceed to the designated Assembly point. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so.
Any illness, injury or accident must be reported to the school office.
It is against the law to smoke on school premises.
The school accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to a visitor’s property or vehicle.
Mobile phones must be switched off/silent and camera functions must not be used whilst on school premises.

Safeguarding Staff
Designated Teacher for Child Protection:
Mrs R Kerr
Deputy Designated Teachers for Child Protection:
Mr J McCoy Miss D Osborne
Mr J Guy Mrs M Moorehead
Mr M Thompson
Principal:
Mr J McCoy
Safeguarding Governor:
Mr T Enderby

LURGAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Visitor Safeguarding Guide
2019/2020

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT A CHILD?
If you become concerned about:
something a child says;
marks or bruising on a student;
changes in a child’s behaviour or demeanour;
you must inform the Designated Teacher for Child Protection.
If you feel that a child may be at risk of harm but are not sure, then contact main reception and ask to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team who will offer advice and take appropriate action.
Child abuse can happen to all children regardless of gender, culture, religion, social background and those with or without a disability.
A copy of the Lurgan Junior High School’s safeguarding policy is located in the school and is available on the website.
Sometimes a child may disclose information to you. If this happens then the following actions must take place.
WHAT DO I DO IF A CHILD DISCLOSES THEY ARE BEING HARMED?
React calmly
Listen carefully to the child, particularly what is said spontaneously.
Do not promise confidentiality. Explain to the child that you may need to pass on the information if you are worried about their safety.
You may clarify your concern using “tell, explain, describe or outline” but as soon as your concern is confirmed ask no further questions as further enquiries may be compromised.

Only trained investigators should question a child.
Reassure the child that they have done the right thing.
Record carefully what the child says in their words including how and when the account was given. Date, time and sign the record. Pass this on to the Designated Teacher for Child Protection immediately.
TYPES OF HARM
Everybody has a responsibility to keep all children under the age of 18 safe and applies to both the home and school environment.
Harm is identified in five ways:
Physical—This is when a child is deliberately hurt or injured.
Sexual—This is when a child is influenced or forced to take part in a sexual activity. This can be a physical activity or non-physical, e.g. being made to look at an inappropriate image.
Emotional—This is when a child is made to feel frightened, worthless or unloved. It can be by shouting, using threats or making fun of someone. It can also be when children see their parents, or visitors to the home, fighting or using violence.
Neglect—This is when a child is not being taken care of by their parents. It can be poor hygiene, poor diet not keeping appointments for additional support, not coming to school or being left home alone.
Child Sexual Exploitation— This is when a child is sexually exploited for money, power or status.

STAFF CONDUCT
If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff following an observation or disclosure, the following actions must take place:
Immediately inform the Principal.
In their absence, immediately inform the Vice-Principal.
KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE
Be professional. Be careful how you interact with or speak to a child: the child may interpret it differently.
Avoid physical contact with children unless you are preventing them from immediately harming themselves or others.
Avoid being on your own with a child, always ensure that a door is open and that you are visible to others.
It’s best not to do anything for a child that he or she can do for him or herself.
Always tell someone if a child touches you or speaks to you inappropriately. Log down the incident time and date it and pass it on to the member of the Safeguarding Team.
If you have concerns about the conduct of staff, it is your responsibility to inform the Principal.
If necessary, please ask to be directed to staff toilets. Use of pupil toilets is not permitted.
Do not enter a classroom unless escorted by a member of staff or by prior arrangement.
Remember….if in doubt….ask.