Combe Pafford School aims to work in close partnership with parents to support the children in every way possible. However, there is a clear responsibility on all schools to ensure they work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.

 

As a result, if concerns are raised within the school, or a child or parent reports a situation involving possible abuse, we are required to refer such matters to the appropriate Children Services, in line with Government and Torbay Council policy.

 

Combe Pafford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Consequently all adults working in school are required to complete a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) Enhanced Police Check.

 

It may be helpful to parents to know that the Local Authority requires Headteachers to report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse - which includes non-accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. This procedure is intended to protect children at risk and schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. This does mean that Headteachers risk upsetting some parents by reporting a case, which, on investigation, proves unfounded. In such circumstances, it is hoped that parents, appreciating how difficult it is for Headteachers to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the Headteacher was acting in what were believed to be the child's best interests.