Safeguarding
'Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, every day'
Safeguarding is paramount at Maple Grove. In most circumstances, the school will endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their children. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with the Hertfordshire Child Protection procedures). The school will always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents. The school’s Child Protection Policy is available in the Policies section of this website.
The Safeguarding Team
The safeguarding team is in charge of keeping children safe at home and school. They are called Designated Safeguarding Leads.
Should you have any concerns, the Safeguarding Officers at Maple Grove are:
Ms. S Woodcock - Designated Senior Person
Ms A Smith- Deputy Designated Senior Person
Mrs B Bacon - Deputy Designated Senior Person
Contact numbers
For urgent Child Protection / Safeguarding advice: 
Please call Children's Services on 0300 123 4043 or email contact@hertfordshire.gov.uk
- the phone line is open 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
- Hertfordshire Local Authority Officer (LADO):01992 555420 or email LADO.Referral@hertfordshire.gov.uk
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the action taken to promote children's welfare and protect them from harm.
Safeguarding means:
- protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
- preventing harm to children's health or development
- ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
- taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.
Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation apply to all children up to the age of 18.
What is Child Protection?
Child Protection is part of Safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the activity undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.
Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Staff understanding of Safeguarding and Child protection
All staff receive appropriate training in 'Safeguarding' and 'Child Protection' to ensure they know the school's child protection procedures and responsibilities.
All staff must read and sign Part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 and receive at least one safeguarding and child protection training session annually.
Additionally, a rolling professional development programme for child-facing staff addresses safeguarding themes throughout the academic year.
Our designated Safeguarding Officers are happy to speak to any parent with concerns (by appointment only).
On line safety
Maple Grove Primary School recognises the benefits and opportunities new technologies offer to teaching and learning. We encourage the use of technology to enhance skills and promote achievement. However, the accessible and global nature of the internet and the variety of technologies available mean that we are also aware of potential risks and challenges associated with such use. To find out more, please read our Online Safety Policy.
More information is available here.