Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At Mayfield, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, secure, and welcoming environment where children, staff, and visitors are respected and valued. Our policies and practices reflect our unwavering dedication to protecting every member of our school community.
Attendance Matters
Regular and punctual attendance is vital to ensure children fully benefit from the learning and therapeutic opportunities we provide.
- Our Approach:
Alongside our statutory responsibility to record attendance, we actively follow up on absences. When attendance falls below 90%, our pastoral team promptly contacts parents or carers to express concerns and offer support to improve attendance. Poor attendance can be a significant risk factor for abuse and neglect. By prioritising regular attendance, we enhance the safety and well-being of our students
Safer Recruitment
The cornerstone of our safeguarding approach is Safer Recruitment.
- Our Practices:
Every applicant and volunteer undergoes rigorous vetting to ensure they are suitable to work with children and young people. This process is an essential step in creating a safe and positive environment where children are protected from harm. We adhere to best practices and legal requirements, ensuring safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of recruitment.
Role of the Governing Body
Our Governing Body plays a crucial role in safeguarding by ensuring the school meets its statutory responsibilities.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Ensuring an effective safeguarding policy is in place.
- Overseeing the implementation of safer recruitment practices.
- Supporting the leadership team in embedding safeguarding across the school.
Safeguarding Through the Curriculum
We encourage children to think about their safety through a comprehensive curriculum.
- Personal, Social, and Health Education (PHSE) & Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE):
These sessions provide regular opportunities for children to discuss issues related to safety, fostering awareness and resilience. - Life Skills and Special Events:
Lessons and activities, such as Safer Internet Day, reinforce safe behaviours in various contexts.
Online Safety
In today’s digital age, ensuring children’s safety online is a top priority.
- Teaching Online Safety:
Children learn how to navigate the digital world safely through Life Skills, Computing lessons, and integrated activities. - Parental Support:
We recognise the challenges parents face in managing their children’s online activities. By working together, we aim to guide and protect students in making informed and appropriate choices. - School-Wide Approach:
Online safety is embedded throughout the curriculum, helping to mitigate risks and promote positive digital engagement.
Operation Encompass
Mayfield is proud to participate in Operation Encompass, an initiative that strengthens communication between the police and schools.
- How It Works:
If a child is at risk of domestic abuse, the police share this information with the school to enable immediate and informed support. By understanding the child’s experiences, we can provide tailored care and guidance to meet their needs and address any behaviours.