What is the difference between Safeguarding and Child Protection?

Safeguarding is described by the NSPCC as the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Meet the Safeguarding Team

Our Duty of Care

All staff at Red Oaks have a duty of care to report concerns when they arise. If a member of staff has a concern about a child they will report it to the Designated Safeguarding lead or one of the Deputy Safeguarding Leads. Parents and carers will be informed of such concerns, unless to do so would increase the risk to the child.

Concerns will be logged on CPOMS (Child Protection Online Management System) and shared with other safeguarding professionals as necessary. When a child transfers to another school, all safeguarding records are transferred securely when the child leaves Red Oaks. Copies of written records are not kept on file at Red Oaks when a child leaves us.

Useful Links for Parents and Carers

The NSPCC - Pants Rule, Parental Controls, Share Aware
Think U Know - a guide for parents and carers about online safety
Child Line
Swindon MASH
Swindon Safeguarding Partnership
Red Oaks Rules Out The Bully Flowchart
Hand of Helpers
Safer Internet Centre - advice for parents on what to do if your child sees something upsetting online.