Battyeford CE (VC) Primary School

Safeguarding our children against possible risk is of upmost priority to Battyeford Primary School. Online safety is taken extremely seriously and is embedded into our curriculum. In school, we encourage the children to keep themselves safe online. If they see something they don't like, they turn off the screen but don't delete or close the webpage and then tell an adult. 

Children need to be aware of the impact that their online activity can have on both themselves and other people, and the digital footprint that they create on the internet. It’s easy to feel anonymous online and it’s important that children are aware of who is able to view, and potentially share, the information that they may have posted. When using the internet, it’s important to keep personal information safe and not share it with strangers. Discuss with your child the importance of reporting inappropriate conversations, messages, images and behaviours and how this can be done.

It is important for children to realise that new friends made online may not be who they say they are and that once a friend is added to an online account, you may be sharing your personal information with them. Regularly reviewing friends lists and removing unwanted contacts is a useful step. Privacy settings online may also allow you to customise the information that each friend is able to access. If you have concerns that your child is, or has been, the subject of inappropriate sexual contact or approach by another person, it’s vital that you report it to the police via the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (www.ceop.police.uk). If your child is the victim of cyberbullying, this can also be reported online and offline. Reinforce with your child the importance of telling a trusted adult straight away if someone is bullying them or making them feel uncomfortable, or if one of their friends is being bullied online.

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.

Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.

The Department for Education has published advice for schools on the Prevent duty. The Prevent duty requires all schools to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism in the exercise of their functions.

We are already responsible for keeping children safe, including from the risks of extremism and radicalisation, and for promoting the welfare of children in our care. The Prevent duty reinforces these existing duties by spreading understanding of the risks and current good practice across the country.

Battyeford Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. Every member of staff recognises that safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is no different to safeguarding against any other vulnerability in to-day’s society.

Useful link: Domestic abuse | NSPCC  

At Battyeford School, we understand that some families may find it difficult to afford everyday hygiene and household products. Hygiene poverty can affect a child's confidence, wellbeing, friendships and ability to learn. We are committed to supporting all children with dignity and respect.

If you are struggling to access essential items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, deodorant or other hygiene products, please contact the school office or our safeguarding team in confidence. We will do our best to provide support or help you access local services. No child should feel worried, embarrassed or unable to attend school because they do not have access to basic hygiene products.

We recognise that the cost of school uniform can sometimes be a challenge for families. We are committed to supporting our school community wherever we can and will work with families on an individual basis to help overcome barriers to attendance and participation in school life. We can also signpost families to local sources of support, including charities such as Uniform Exchange, which provides access to good-quality pre-loved school uniform. If you require assistance with uniform, PE kit or other essential school items, please contact the school office or safeguarding team in confidence. Any requests for support will be treated sensitively and respectfully.