Information for Visitors to Open Box

Visitors to Open Box Education Centre will be welcomed at reception and given all the information and guidance necessary for their visit. If you know you will be visiting Open Box Education Centre in the near future please familiarise yourself with the following information:

As a visitor to our school, it is important that you are aware of our safeguarding and emergency procedures.

You will be given an A4 guide which will summarise your safeguarding responsibilities and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. You will be issued with a Visitors badge which will have a QR code linking to this page and enabling you to read any policies relevant to your visit.

Please read this guide carefully. It is important that you are familiar with our Child Protection Policy and our Staff Code of Conduct. Please click here for all our policies.

Your Safeguarding Responsibilities

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play (Keeping Children Safe in Education, DfE 2024)

On arrival all visitors should be prepared to provide formal identification and, where required, evidence of their DBS Check (this may be written confirmation from an employer)
All visitors must wear the ID provided upon signing in – this must be worn and kept visible at all times while on site
All visitors must sign out and hand in the ID provided when leaving the school site

What is Abuse?

Abuse is maltreatment of a child. This may be neglect, any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment that leads to harm or injury, or failure to protect a child from harm. It can happen to any child regardless of their age, gender, race or ability and may be inflicted on the child by an adult/adults or another child or children.

What to do if you are worried about a student:

You may observe something or become aware of information about a student which concerns you while you are in school. If you do, it is important that you share your concerns with the Designated or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. The school office will make arrangements for you to speak to them if you cannot locate them.

If a young person is making a disclosure, follow these guidelines:

React calmly, listen without displaying shock, disbelief or making judgements

Do not promise confidentiality – explain that you must share the information with the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Reassure the student, but only so far as is honest and reliable
Do not interrogate the student, ask leading questions or criticise the alleged perpetrator.

Make accurate notes and report your concerns immediately to the Designated or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – see below for details
Follow the school Child Protection Policy and procedures at all times

Recording Procedure:

You must make a written record of any concerns including:

What was said or seen, putting the event in context
The date, time and location of the disclosure or observation
Include any action taken
Signed and dated by you
Speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and pass on your record

Staying safe and professional:

If working alone with a student, follow our staff code of conduct
Never try to initiate contact with a student you work with outside Open Box school activities/sessions
Never exchange personal contact details, including social networking contacts with students
Always treat students with care and respect regardless of how they treat you
Avoid physical contact with a student and show respect for their personal space

What to do if you have concerns about a member of staff

If you are concerned about the conduct of a member of staff following something you have observed or a disclosure, you must report this to the Principal. If your concern is about the Principal, you must report this to the Chair of Governors. The school office will provide contact details for the Chair of Governors if you need them.

Remember:

YOU are in a privileged position working with vulnerable young people
YOU are the trusted, professional adult, you are never a friend or a confidante.

Never ignore a concern. If in doubt “speak out” to the Designated Safeguarding Person as soon as possible

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Alison Dolan

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Samantha Hutton

Governor with Responsibility for Safeguarding: Julie Lorkins

Fire and Emergency Evacuation

If the fire alarm sounds (a continuous high pitched alarm), leave the building by the nearest fire exit and make your way to the Assembly Area in front the Library, to the left of the school as you exit. Please wait there until you are given instructions by the Fire Marshal.

If you discover a fire, please activate the alarm and inform a member of staff if possible. The School Business Manager (Premises Fire Marshal) or a Deputy Fire Marshal will take control of the situation.

Please familiarise yourself with the exit route from your room at the earliest opportunity, to get to the Assembly Point in front of the Library.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid:

Our staff members are trained in First Aid. There is a list of first aiders and First Aid Equipment clearly signed in various parts of the building. If you need assistance, please inform a member of staff. Visitors should not treat students unless permission has been given. In an emergency do not hesitate to call 999 for an ambulance.

Accidents and Incidents

Please report any accident or incident to the School Business Manager via the office.

Online Safety:

Use of school internet

All users of the school IT systems and Wi-Fi must comply with the Staff Code of Conduct and Online Safety policy which include Acceptable Use requirements.

Use of mobile phones while on site

Visitors must comply with the Staff Code of Conduct and Online Safety policy with particular reference to the guidelines on photography. All policies are available in the school office or via our website.