News

 
At École Française de Londres Jacques Prévert, the safety and well-being of every child are at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to fostering a robust safeguarding culture where pupils feel safe, valued, and empowered to express themselves. Our approach is both proactive and reactive, ensuring we are well-prepared to prevent, identify, and respond to any safeguarding concerns swiftly and effectively.

 


A Holistic Approach to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility—staff, parents, and pupils all play vital roles in creating a secure school environment. At École Jacques Prévert, our safeguarding policies are founded on vigilance, transparency, and collaboration. These principles are embedded into daily school life to ensure that all children thrive in a secure and nurturing setting.

Pupil Voice: Empowering Pupils
We are dedicated to promoting pupil voice at École Jacques Prévert. Children are encouraged to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions during assemblies, through regular forums, including our School Council, where pupil representatives from each class meet with the Head to discuss school life and well-being, make suggestions and find solutions. By giving pupils a platform to express themselves, we foster a culture of openness and mutual respect, empowering children to take ownership of their school environment.

Safeguarding in the Curriculum
Safeguarding is woven into our curriculum, particularly through the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) programme. Implemented from Petite Section (PS) to CM2, the PSHE curriculum covers topics like emotional well-being, personal safety, relationships, and digital safety. These lessons equip children with the knowledge and skills to stay safe, both inside and outside of school.

From Year 4 (CE2), we begin to address the topic of the changing body, helping pupils understand the physical and emotional changes they will experience. The curriculum also covers crucial subjects such as road safety, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and the role of community members who help keep us safe.

Comprehensive Staff Training and Safer Recruitment
All staff undergo regular safeguarding training to ensure they are equipped to identify, report, and manage child protection concerns. This includes training on child protection, online safety, and mental health awareness. Our goal is to maintain a vigilant team committed to the safety and well-being of our pupils.
We also adhere to Safer Recruitment practices, ensuring that every new staff member undergoes thorough background checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. This rigorous process ensures that only individuals committed to children’s safety and well-being are entrusted with working with them.


 
"Time for You": Open Access to the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Pastoral Care Lead
As part of my role, I offer a weekly “Time for You” session to allow pupils to raise concerns or seek guidance in a confidential and supportive environment. It is a safe space where children can discuss any situations that they can find overwhelming, and/or that are affecting their well-being or the well-being of others. During this dedicated time, I listen, provide tailored advice, or direct concerns to the appropriate services when necessary.

Strong Partnerships with Local Authorities
We maintain a close partnership with the Hammersmith and Fulham Local Authority, providing additional oversight and support in safeguarding matters. If any concerns require external assistance, we work with the local authority to ensure swift and effective action.

If you have any safeguarding concerns, you can contact the Hammersmith and Fulham Safeguarding and Child Protection Team directly:
Phone: 020 8753 6600
Out of hours (Emergency Duty Team): 020 8748 8588
Email: familyservices@lbhf.gov.uk
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Childline: Support for Pupils
For pupils needing support, visit Childline or call 0800 1111 for free, confidential advice. Childline is a counseling service that provides children and young people with support on any issue affecting their well-being, offering a safe space to talk about anything that may be worrying them.

A Culture of Vigilance and Care
At École Jacques Prévert, safeguarding is not just a policy—it is a mindset shared by every member of our community. Through comprehensive staff training, a child-centred curriculum, open communication channels, and strong partnerships with local authorities, we ensure that our school is a place where every child feels safe, supported, and able to flourish.

If you have any questions or concerns about safeguarding, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Best wishes,
Mrs Weber