Safeguarding

At NET Academies we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.

Safeguarding Procedures at Katherines Primary Academy

If you are on school site and a safeguarding issue arises report it immediately to one of the following staff:  

• Mrs Annette Norris - Designated Safeguarding Lead 
• Mrs Jeannette Harman - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 
• Ms Linda Wagstaff - NET Safeguarding Office

If you are unable to locate one of the above colleagues please contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead at one of the other NET Harlow Cluster Schools:

• Jerounds 01279 423 485
• Abbotsweld  01279 630 120
• Latton Green 01279 421 567
• Longwood 01279 866 149  

For information on our safeguarding policies please click  here.

Keeping Children Safe In Education

The Harlow Executive Board School takes seriously its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 (section 157 in relation to the independent sector) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm.

We recognise that all staff and Governors have a full and active part to play in protecting our pupils from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.

We strongly believe that our school should provide a safe, caring, positive and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.

Health and Safety

The school has a robust health and safety policy, which is monitored each term by the relevant members of the school governing body.

We commission an annual inspection for Health and Safety procedures to ensure we are compliant with all of our responsibilities. The Headteacher, School Business Manager, Site Supervisor and Governors with responsibility for Health and Safety oversee this comprehensive list.

Any concerns from staff are reported to any of the above and an initial examination takes place immediately, assessing what remedial action needs to take place.

On at least a half-termly basis, there is a fire drill to practice efficient evacuation from the buildings. The school conducts an annual Fire Risk Assessment.

There is also a critical incident plan that details what staff and parents should do in the case of emergencies.

Appointment & Induction of Staff & Work Placements

All staff appointed to work in school have a criminal records search called a DBS check.

This search highlights people who have a criminal record or if previous allegations have been made against them. If any member of staff is found to have a criminal record, the appointment is reconsidered by the Headteacher and the HR committee of the Governing Body. The LA is informed directly by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Newly appointed staff attend an induction training programme. They are familiarized with procedures, policies and safeguarding practices and are regularly updated during their first weeks at the school. All staff receive annual training for safeguarding, FGM, CSE and PREVENT.

Induction of Volunteers

All volunteers must have DBS clearance.

For any extended contact with children, when children may be left alone with an adult, or when an adult visitor may be in and around the school building, a full DBS search will be conducted. Visitors who do not yet have clearance will under no circumstance be left alone with a child or group of children.

Welcoming Visitors

All visitors with a professional role – eg supply teachers, the School Nurse or members of the police – have relevant clearance.

Students who work within our school community also have their DBS clearance confirmed. Anyone who spends time in school without this confirmation will be accompanied at all times.

Safety