We acknowledge our responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. We recognise our responsibility to protect children from maltreatment, prevent impairment of children’s health or development, ensure that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and take action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Autistic children share the right of all children to protection from abuse. We know that autistic children are potentially more vulnerable, because they may find it difficult to communicate with others, struggle with social interaction or have difficulties understanding people's motives, they may be less able to report abuse and thus be more vulnerable to it. This necessitates greater vigilance among professionals in recognising, reporting and investigating potential signs of abuse as well as ensuring that safeguarding issues remain on the agenda when working with autistic children and young people.

Our policy applies to all staff, volunteers and governors. It is acknowledged that the role of the governors will be a monitoring and supporting one whereas staff will be actively involved in the management of safeguarding and child protection issues on a daily basis.

If you have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact one of the designated safeguarding leads as quickly as possible. You will find the names of these members of staff below.

• Download our safeguarding statement
• How to keep children safe in education - What you need to know