Guidepost is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All students have the right to be protected from all types of harm and abuse.

At Guidepost, we recognize the importance of providing an ethos and environment within School school that will help students to be safe and feel safe. We believe that all students have a right to be heard and to have their wishes and feelings taken into account and have equal rights to protection.

Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding is defined as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment;
• Preventing the impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development;
• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• Taking action to enable children to have the best life chances.

There are four main elements of Safeguarding and Child Protection.

• Prevention (e.g., positive, supportive, safe school culture, curriculum and pastoral opportunities for children, safer recruitment procedures);
• Protection (by following the agreed procedures, ensuring all staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns);
• Support (for all students, parents, and staff, and where appropriate specific intervention for those who may be at risk of harm);
• Working with parents and other agencies (to ensure appropriate communications and actions are undertaken).