Safeguarding

At Merton Court Safeguarding underpins the very core of your child’s school journey. We take this role extremely seriously and offer a secure family environment where the children know all of their teachers and, importantly we know all of them – everyone really does feel valued and respected.

We pride ourselves on offering all the children safety and security whilst in our care – a place to thrive whilst developing their social and emotional skills, along with their mental and physical health.

We practise an Open Door policy, where staff, parents and children may speak openly about their concerns.

We never think ‘it won’t happen here’ – this helps to keep children safe and staff vigilant at all times.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all of our staff are highly trained and very well supported should they need advice or help, at anytime.  Our in-house Safeguarding Team, made up of seven people, is very experienced and they communicate regularly with each other.

 

Please contact Mrs Angie Macdonald, DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) should you wish to discuss our Safeguarding procedures.

Equally, if you feel we could improve any aspect of our Safeguarding, please do not hesitate to get in touch – we are always happy to listen to your thoughts and ideas.

 

These are all Safeguarding issues that we have discussed. Please do talk to your child/children about these topics.

 

Digital Leaders

We continue to train ten children in S3 to become our digital leaders. The programme is sponsored by Childnet and has given the children the power to shape and improve their own online communications. They play an important role in educating their peers. Two children are assigned to each year group from J3 upwards, strengthening their knowledge whilst online.

 

Online Safety

Please see below three websites which are very helpful for parents. Take a quick look, we think you will find them useful.

 

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/digital-parenting

https://parentzone.org.uk/

 

 

NSPCC

We continue to follow the NSPCC’s Speak Out, Stay Safe programme.

 

Passwords

If you have assigned someone new to collect your child from school, please inform the school office / form teaches as we have a password system in place. A reminder also that we operate a “No Phone Zone” on School premises and very much appreciate your cooperation.

Please note school gates will be closed at 3.50pm to ensure security and safeguarding of our After School Club children. Therefore, children should not be on site (equipment or Astro) after their school day has ended, unless participating in clubs or activities.

 

Registration and Lateness

Just a quick reminder that the School Day starts and the gates close at 8.45am.

Please do not leave younger siblings unaccompanied in the car at any time when using the school carpark to collect older children.

 

Unauthorised absence

Due to increased Government legislation and School Inspection, School now has to record and report any holidays taken by pupils during term time as unauthorised absence, in accordance with Bexley Council guidelines. The Education Welfare Officer visits us half termly to look at our records.

PARENTS