Nobel School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and we expect all members of staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Our aim is to establish an environment where students feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to when they have a worry or concern. Parents and carers may also contact us where they have concerns about the welfare or safety of their child.
Parents need to understand that schools have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are their students, that this responsibility necessitates a child protection policy and procedures, and that a school may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare.
A copy of our Child Protection policy, which is updated and reviewed annually, can be accessed here on the website in the section entitled School Policies, Statements and Plans.
Contacts at Nobel
The school has a Safeguarding team. In line with this, and regardless of the source of your concern, you MUST report your concern ASAP.
Headteacher
Martyn Henson (ext. 221)
DSL
Steve Morley (ext. 269)
DDSL
Tara Marshall (ext. 225)
DDSL
Naomi Rose (ext. 224)
DDSL
Corrina Reeder (ext. 242)
DDSL
Helen Taylor (ext. 244)
Heads PA
Sue Crow (ext. 221)
Chair of Governors: Peter Hepplethwaite and Kelly Hagland – contact via heads PA or reception.
Under 18 and worried about online sexual abuse? To report, click to visit the CEOP Safety Centre.
Safeguarding Our Community
Everyone at Nobel shares an objective to help keep children and young people safe by contributing to:
Providing a safe environment, identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm and taking appropriate action.
This information is provided to ensure you understand what is expected of you. Please seek advice from the safeguarding team if anything contained here is unclear.
Keeping Everyone Safe
We all have a part to play in keeping children safe whilst working on or visiting the school site. This is whether you are directly employed by the school, or working as a contractor or sub-contractor, or a volunteer.
Everyone who comes into contact with children, whether paid or voluntary, are responsible for their own actions and behaviour. You should avoid any contact which would lead any reasonable person to question your motivation and intention.
We must also take steps to keep ourselves safe. Our actions can sometimes be perceived in a way that was not intended. We want to promote safe working practices for everyone on the school site, whatever your role. To keep yourself safe please follow this guidance.
Do’s and Dont’s
- Do treat everyone with respect;
- Do provide an example you wish others to follow;
- Do plan activities so that they may involve more than one person or at least in the sight of others;
- Do respect a child’s right to personal privacy;
- Do remember that someone else may misinterpret your actions however well intentioned;
- Do not make inappropriate comments or have inappropriate banter with children;
- Do not jump to conclusions without checking facts;
- Do wear your visitors’ badge (security pass system) at all times;
- Do be aware that verbal interaction with students may be interpreted by them as offensive or as harassment even if this was not your intention;
- Do report any unacceptable/ inappropriate behaviour from a student;
- Do be aware that contact made outside of school, as a result of you visiting the school site, may have an impact.
Worried About a Child?
Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) or neglect can have a damaging effect upon a child’s health, education, attainment and emotional wellbeing.
If you are concerned, please report these concerns to the DSL/class teacher immediately.
Disclosure of Abuse by A Child
Whilst this can be alarming, it is important that you know what to do.
- Stay calm and controlled; listen to what is said without showing shock or disbelief.
- Accept what is being said.
- Allow the child to talk freely, listen rather than direct, by asking questions.
- Reassure but do not make promises you cannot keep.
- Explain that you will talk to the staff so that they can help.
- Do not ask leading questions.
- Stress that talking was the right thing to do.
- Record details immediately, attempt to use the exact words used by the child; sign and date this.
- Immediately report your concerns and give any written information to the safeguarding team.
Safeworking with Nobel School
- Provide a good example and be a positive role model.
- Treat all children equally, never build a special relationship or favour a particular child above others.
- Ensure when working with individual children that you are visible to others.
- Do not photograph children (unless express permission has been sought and granted) or exchange any personal information.
- Do not receive or give gifts unless arranged through the school.
- Only touch children for professional reasons and when this is necessary and appropriate for the child’s well-being and safety.
- Never engage online with children and do not give out any contact details.
