Our Safeguarding Team
At Ifield School, our highest priority is safeguarding all our pupils. All staff undertake a full enhanced check prior to employment. All staff are required to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures and as a school, we follow statutory safeguarding guidance and safer recruitment legislation for all staff, volunteers and visitors. We have access to expertise within our Local Authority and other specialist agencies and services.
Please see our Designated Safeguarding Team below for Ifield School and Ifield Sixth Form. If you or your child have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads, via the telephone numbers below between 8am – 5pm during term time.
Ifield School: 01474 365485
Ifield Sixth Form: 01474 555799
During out of school hours, parents and carers can contact the Kent Safeguarding Team on 03000 411 111 or in an emergency, dial 999 for the Police.
Please click on this link to access our school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Please click on this link to access information on how to keep your child safe online
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused?
- Be alert – for any signs of abuse or neglect
- Question Behaviours – be curious about anything unusual or any changes
- Ask for help – share concerns - discuss, think about child’s needs and any risks to self or others
- Refer – think of thresholds for intervention and appropriate level of referral if needed.
Categories of Abuse
- Physical – can range from over-chastisement to deliberate harm. May be reactive or pre-meditated
- Emotional – ranges from rejecting to making a child unhappy. Includes domestic abuse
- Neglect – persistently failing to meet a child’s needs by omission or commission
- Sexual – involvement in sexual activities, contact and non-contact (including online)
- Financial – Limiting access to money or controlling what they spend it on.
What action to take if a child discloses they are being harmed
- Young person’s welfare comes first
- Listen, stay calm and reassure
- Do not promise confidentiality
- Do not question - clarify if necessary with caution (TED: Tell, Explain, Describe)
- Record as soon as possible using the young person’s own words
- Inform DSL
- Support - for young person AND for you!
Staff Conduct
Keeping Everyone Safe
- All visitors must report to reception on arrival. Once signed in, they are given a visitor pass or lanyard which must be worn and visible at all times. Staff are asked to challenge any visitor at school who is not wearing a visitor sticker or lanyard and is not accompanied by a staff member.
- A visitor leaflet is given to those visiting school for the first time.
- Photographs are not permitted to be taken unless a prior arrangement is made.
- All visitors must sign out at reception and return their lanyard if the received one before leaving.
Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility
All children have the right to be protected. The prime concern at all stages should be the interests and safety of the child. Do not assume that someone else will take responsibility, you could help to save a child’s life. If you are worried, ensure you report.
- Front Door Service
Telephone: 03000 411 111
- Emergency Out of Hours
Telephone: 03000 41 91 91
If the child is in immediate danger, dial 999 to report your concerns to the Police.
