Aylward Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We recognise that some children may be especially vulnerable. We also recognise that children who are abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self -worth and to view the world in a positive way. Whilst at school, their behaviour may be challenging. Some children who have experienced abuse may harm others. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support all of our pupils.

The school pays full regard to DfES guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'.

We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the school who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult including e.g. volunteers and staff employed by contractors. Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, checking previous employment history and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job. It also includes undertaking interviews and, where appropriate, ISA and DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) checks.

Operation Encompass

The school takes part in Operation Encompass (a national project), which is run jointly between schools and the Police. The aim of the project is for schools to be informed, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person had been exposed to, or involved in, any domestic incident.

Operation Encompass ensures that the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a member of the Safeguarding Team is informed. The information that has been shared, in confidence, allows us to help ensure the wellbeing of the child and their family and we may be able to make provisions or adjustments for possible difficulties experienced, following a domestic abuse incident.

Find out more about our safeguarding and child protection procedures here.