This is in recognition of our statutory and moral responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We abide by the guidance set out in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (DfE 2018) and ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (DfE 2023).

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We also adhere to the following principles:

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• Children who are safe and feel safe are better equipped to learn

• All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection

• Our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance

• All staff working in the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

• All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child is at risk of harm at home, in the community, or in a school

• All staff members maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned; when concerned about the welfare of a child, staff members always act in the interests of the child

• If, at any point, there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child, a referral will be made to Children’s Social Care immediately; anybody can make a referral

• Staff involved in child protection issues will receive appropriate support

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Based on this clear and comprehensive understanding of our respective safeguarding roles and responsibilities, we deliver an effective, efficient and appropriate approach to the identification, assessment and support of individuals identified as having safeguarding needs, especially children, and so help to prevent abuse and neglect.

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We are always alert to any signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that all children and other individuals receive effective support, protection and justice. We pay particular attention to children who maybe more vulnerable to abuse and neglect than others such as: disabled or have special educational needs; young carers; affected by parental substance misuse, domestic abuse and violence or parental mental health needs; asylum seekers; looked after by the Local Authority or otherwise living away from home; vulnerable to being bullied, or engaging in bullying behaviours; living in temporary accommodation; living transient lifestyles; living in a chaotic and unsupportive home situation; vulnerable to discrimination and maltreatment on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexuality; at risk of child sexual exploitation; do not have English as a first language; at risk of female genital mutilation; at risk of forced marriage; and at risk of being drawn into extremism.

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We adopt a safer recruitment process across the Trust, which helps to promote a safe culture and complements other ‘safety’ elements such as health and safety.  Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is an integral factor at each stage of our recruitment and selection process and at least one member of each recruitment panel will have attended safer recruitment training. We also check that all applicants offered a position in the Trust or one of its schools are not the subject of a section 128 direction made by the secretary of state prohibiting or restricting her/him from taking part in the management of an independent school, academy or free school.

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We maintain a central record of the checks carried out on all our employees, governors and trustees. The ultimate responsibility for this record lies with the Headteacher of each school and the CEO for the MAT central team. Safer recruitment practice across the Trust is internally audited three times a year and externally reviewed by a safeguarding expert annually and reported to the Trust.

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The Trust has a comprehensive Whistleblowing Policy and all governors and staff receive annual training on safeguarding and whistleblowing.

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This Statement should be read in conjunction with the:

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• LT2 Whistleblowing Policy

• LT2 Safeguarding in Recruitment Policy

• LT2 Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism Policy and Guidance

• Rugby Free Primary School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

• Rugby Free Secondary School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

This statement is reviewed annually. The policies and procedures are agreed and approved by the board of Trustees.