Aims and Objectives

This policy refers covers both direct and indirect discrimination. All staff working for Primary PPA Cover Ltd do not discriminate against anyone, staff or children, on the grounds of their sex, race, colour, religion, disability, nationality, ethnic or cultural origins.

• We promote the principles of fairness and justice for all through the education that we provide
• We ensure that all children have equal access to the full range of opportunities that we provide
• We strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination that may form barriers to learning
• We ensure that all recruitment, employment, promotion and training systems and procedures are fair to all staff and provide opportunities for everyone to achieve
• We challenge stereotyping and prejudice whenever it occurs.
• We celebrate the cultural diversity of our community and show respect for all minority groups
• We promote positive social attitudes and respect through positive educational experiences and support

Anti-racism

It is the right of all children to receive the best educational provision possible. No form of racism or racist behaviour is tolerated by Primary PPA Cover Ltd and should a racist incident occur action is taken immediately in line with our disciplinary procedure. We endeavour to make our clubs welcoming to all groups, regardless of their ethnic origin.

The role of the PPA Teacher

The PPA Teacher ensures that all pupils are treated fairly, equally and with respect. No child is discriminated against. When planning lessons, PPA staff pay due regard to the sensitivities of all children and do not use material that is against the company’s equal opportunity policy. Teachers will provide material that gives positive images of ethnic minorities and challenge stereotypical images of minority groups. Staff should intervene in a positive way against any incidents of discrimination.

Lesson Plan Management

Sessions are planned with due regard to all school policies including Equal Opportunities. The topics chosen and methods of approaching sensitive issues should reflect this.

Monitoring and Review

Teachers will be monitored and reviewed closely by their Line Managers via termly observations to ensure they are biding by our Equal Opportunities Policy. Staff CPD sessions are ran termly to include Inclusion, First Aid and Safeguarding.

Policy reviewed on 31/05/2023, policy due to be reviewed 12 months from this date

• 31On arriving at a new school Primary PPA Cover staff will ensure that they are aware of the fire evacuation plan and the location of all fire exits
• Our staff will also ensure that they are aware of the location of the school’s First Aid kit and whether there are any children with specific physical or medical needs e.g. asthma, epilepsy, allergies etc.
• Our PPA Teacher will also follow the Health & Safety Policy of the school and will ask for a copy of this on visiting the school before starting teaching
• Primary PPA Cover staff will carry out a risk assessment prior to starting teaching
• Primary PPA Cover staff will ensure all accidents and incidents are recorded in the school’s accident book
• Our staff are aware of their responsibility to co-operate to achieve a healthy and safe workplace and to take reasonable care of themselves and others. Whenever an employee notices a health and safety problem this should be drawn to the attention of the Headteacher immediately who will record it in the incident book.
• Our staff to ensure will ensure that all equipment used is in good working order and is stored safely. Any faulty equipment should be withdrawn from use and reported to the Headteacher, with a note saying Fault Do Not Use.

Policy last reviewed: 06/05/2023, policy is due to be reviewed 12 months from this date

51 Introduction

1.1 At Primary PPA Cover Ltd we value the individuality of all of the children we teach. We are committed to giving all children every opportunity to achieve the highest of standards. We do this by taking account of children’s’ varied life experiences and needs. We offer a broad range of activities and have high expectations for all children. The achievements, attitudes and well-being of all our children matter. This policy helps to ensure that Primary PPA Cover Ltd promotes the individuality of all our children, irrespective of ethnicity, attainment, age, disability, gender or background.

2 Aims and objectives

2.1 Primary PPA Cover Ltd aims to be an inclusive PPA Provider. We actively seek to remove the barriers to learning and participation that can hinder or exclude individual children, or groups of children. This means that equality of opportunity must be a reality for children who attend our clubs. We make this a reality through the attention we pay to the different groups of children who may be present during our lessons:

• girls and boys;
• minority ethnic and faith groups;
• children who need support to learn English as an additional language;
• children who do not speak Spanish or English;
• children with special educational needs;
• able, gifted and talented children;
• children who are at risk of disaffection or exclusion;
• travelers;
• asylum seekers;

2.2 We offer a wide range of activities which meet the specific needs of individuals and groups of children. We meet these needs through:

• setting suitable learning challenges;
• responding to children’s diverse learning needs;
• overcoming potential barriers to learning or participation of individuals and groups of children

2.3 We achieve educational inclusion by continually reviewing what we do, through asking ourselves these key questions:

• Are all children happy during our lessons?
• What are we doing for those children who we know are not achieving their best?
• Are our actions effective?
• Are we successful in promoting racial harmony and preparing children to live in a diverse society?

3 Teaching and learning style

3.1 We aim to give all children the opportunity to succeed and reach the highest level of personal achievement. When our specialists plan their lessons, they take into account that the abilities of the children may vary.

3.2 Our staff are familiar with the equal opportunities legislation covering race, gender and disability which is outlined in our equal opportunities policy.

3.4 Our staff ensure that all children:

• Feel secure and know that their contributions are valued;
• Appreciate and value the differences they see in others;
• Take responsibility for their own actions;
• Participate safely in clothing that is appropriate to their religious beliefs
• Use materials that reflect a range of social and cultural backgrounds
• Participate fully, regardless of disabilities or medical needs.

4. Children with disabilities or special educational needs

4.1 Some children present in our lessons have disabilities and/or special educational needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of these children, as we are to meeting the needs of all groups of children who attend. All reasonable steps are taken to ensure that these children are not placed at any kind of disadvantage compared to non-disabled children.

4.2 Staff modify teaching and learning expectations as appropriate for children with disabilities and/or additional needs. For example, they may give additional time to complete certain activities, or they may modify materials used in the session. In their planning, staff ensure that they give children with disabilities/additional needs the opportunity to develop their skills in all activities provided.

5 Inclusion and racism

5.1 The diversity of our society is addressed through our lessons. We welcome children from all social and ethnic backgrounds. Our teachers are flexible in their planning and offer appropriate challenges to all pupils, regardless of ethnic or social background. All racist incidents are recorded and reported to a senior member of staff (for more information regarding this please see our Equal Opportunities policy).

6 Summary

6.1 At Primary PPA Cover Ltd, we value each child as a unique individual. We will strive to meet the needs of all children who are present during our lessons and seek to ensure that we meet all statutory requirements related to matters of inclusion.

7 Monitoring and review

7.1 This policy is monitored by management and will be reviewed annually. Last reviewed 31/05/2023

Introduction

Primary PPA Cover Ltd recognises the contribution we can make to protect children in any of the clubs that we run and we are committed to combat child abuse in every way in which it may arise. Safeguarding at Primary PPA Cover Ltd is considered everyone’s responsibility and as such our company aims to create the safest environment in which every child or young person has the opportunity to maximise their potential. At Primary PPA Cover Ltd, we recognise the contribution that we can make to ensure that all children who access our services feel that they will be listened to and appropriate action taken. Our beliefs and our policy directly reflect the UK’s Department for Education initiative “Every Child Matters” (ECM), launched in 2003. All of our staff have safeguarding training every year.

The aims of this policy:

• To ensure that the children and young people in our care are safe and protected from harm
• To provide staff with the overreaching principles that guide our approach to child protection; Primary PPA Cover Ltd believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them
• To ensure that children are effectively safeguarded from the potential risk of harm and that the safety and well-being of the children is of the highest priority in all aspects of our work

The purpose of this policy:

To ensure that all members of the Primary PPA Cover Ltd community:

• are aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection
• know the procedures that should be followed if they have a cause for concern
• know where to go to find additional information regarding safeguarding
• are aware of the key indicators relating to child abuse
• fully support our commitment to safeguarding and child protection

Principles

Primary PPA Cover Ltd recognises its legal and moral duty to promote the well-being of children, and protect them from harm, and respond to child abuse. We believe that every child regardless of age has at all times and in all situations a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice that results in a child being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused or neglected.

We agree that we have a primary responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of the children in our charge, and we will carry out this duty through our teaching and learning practice and activities. In order to achieve this, all members of staff (including volunteers and governors), in whatever capacity, will at all times, act proactively in child welfare matters especially where there is a possibility that a child may be at risk of significant harm.

Primary PPA Cover Ltd seeks to adopt an open and accepting attitude towards children as part of their responsibility for pastoral care. Primary PPA Cover Ltd ensure that parents and children feel confident to talk about any concerns and will see our lessons as a safe place if there are any difficulties at home.

Children’s worries, questions and fears will be taken seriously if they seek help from a member of staff. However, staff cannot promise secrecy if concerns are such that referral must be made to the appropriate agencies in order to safeguard the child’s welfare.

At Primary PPA Cover Ltd, if we have suspicions that a child’s physical, sexual or emotional well-being is being, or is likely to be, harmed, or that they are being neglected, we will take appropriate action in accordance with the procedures issued by the appropriate LADO.

We recognise that:

• the welfare of the child/young person is paramount
• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

1. This policy is consistent with the legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

2. There are four main elements to our Child Protection Policy:

• Prevention (e.g. positive atmosphere, leader’s support to pupils);
• Protection (by following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to Child Protection concerns);
• Support (to children who may have been abused);

3. The policy applies to all staff at Primary PPA Cover Ltd. We recognise that child protection is the responsibility of all staff within our company. We will ensure that all Head Teachers are aware of our child protection policy by making a copy available to them, displaying appropriate information on our website and by raising awareness at initial meetings with head teachers.

4. Primary PPA Cover Ltd will:

• Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk, and are listened to;
• Ensure every effort is made to establish effective working relationships with staff at schools who use Primary PPA Cover Ltd;
• Operate safe recruitment procedures by employing only individuals who have worked with children for a minimum of 3 years, using a strict interview process, and ensuring that all appropriate checks are carried out on new staff and volunteers who will work with children, including references and DBS checks.
• NOT tolerate Bullying, and when Physical Intervention is necessary, Primary PPA Cover Ltd will fully investigate every incident.

5. We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• valuing them, listening to and respecting them;
• adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers;
• providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training;
• recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made;
• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers;
• sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately
• Working closely with schools to make children feel safe at all times, and to follow the School’s procedures and those outlined in the National Curriculum e.g. Schools having ‘Show and Tell’ afternoons in relation to projects done in lessons with Primary PPA Cover Ltd (For the Early Years Foundation Stage)

Roles and Responsibilities – General

6. All adults working with or on behalf of children have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Therefore, if staff have any concerns about a child, all staff must give a written report to the Senior Designated Person at the school (during term time) and to the SDP of Primary PPA Cover Ltd: Leah Moore. The SDP will pass his/her concerns on to the appropriate regional Social Care or Social Services Board if she is concerned that the child or children are being harmed in any way (emotionally, sexually, physically) or being neglected or are at risk of being harmed in any way or being neglected. All staff must not promise the child to keep the information a secret and bear in mind the children’s safety at all times. In the unlikely event that an allegation is made against a member of Primary PPA Cover Ltd staff, all witnesses will write a written report and send to Primary PPA Cover Ltd SDP (Leah Moore) who will report the allegation to the appropriate LADO. If the allegation/concern is made about a member of the school staff/Head Teacher, Primary PPA Cover Ltd ensures the responsibility of reporting a concern of this nature to Social Care and to OFSTED.

All allegations and incidents are taken extremely seriously and Primary PPA Cover Ltd will make every effort to investigate each occurrence as promptly as possible.

7. Staff and Training

• Each member of staff is monitored by their Staff Coordinator during their trial period, who reports back to the Manager. Observation reports are filled in by the Staff Coordinator, and all parties involved are given a copy.
• All Primary PPA Cover Ltd staff have Safeguarding & Child Protection Certification and this is renewed every year. During term time, they are also given training by the schools they work in for Safeguarding, along with DVDs to watch and booklets for future reference.
• Primary PPA Cover Ltd provide training to all staff through companies such as Lifetime, to provide on -going training in the work place

1. Rationale

This policy is needed to ensure that Primary PPA Cover appoints the highest quality staff to represent the company and that safe recruitment practices are rigorously enforced.

2. Purposes

2.1. To ensure all those employed at Primary PPA Cover are suitable individuals to work with children and young people (have valid full enhanced DBS checks). Primary PPA Cover will accept DBS check that have been processed by other authorities in the industry, however we will endeavour to have this processed through ourselves, on the update service, where possible.

2.2. To ensure all those employed at Primary PPA Cover are qualified and experienced to work with children and young people to teach their specific subject to children and young people.

2.3. To ensure all those employed at Primary PPA Cover share the company’s ethos, values, ways of working and aspirations for the children and communities it serves.

2.4. To meet the requirements of the safeguarding policy and equal opportunities policy and protect both children and employees within the establishment.

2.5. To meet government recommendations for appropriate training especially for safer staff recruitment.

2.6. To ensure all employees understand the requirements within safeguarding and their role.

3. Guidelines for implementation

3.1. Identification of the need for an appointment
The need for certain posts will be assessed as appropriate e.g. when a member of staff leaves or when ratios exceed those set by OFSTED (1 to 32 maximum classroom ratios)

3.2. Advertisements & post details
Once the need for an appointment has been identified, Primary PPA Cover will proceed to advertise internally, locally, and nationally as appropriate.

Advertisements will carry information about the company and the post.

All vacancies are advertised online via Findajob, Facebook, LinkedIn and Indeed.com (as recommended by the UK government).

Potential candidates who request details will be sent a candidate information pack which will contain the following:

• Details of how to apply for the post, interview date and start date
• Details of the post
• A job description and person specification
• Information about the company
• Interview procedure and details

All job descriptions will contain this statement of commitment to safeguarding children and young people: “Primary PPA Cover is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS, safeguarding certification, disqualification form and two references are required for this post prior to commencement.”

3.3. Applications and short listing
An appointment team will be established at this stage which will usually consist of:

• Recruitment Consultant
• The relevant line manager

Applications can be made via email/through the post/via our online advertising platforms.

Once the closing date has passed the appointment team will shortlist the candidates and invite them for their first interview, explaining what they need to do in preparation.

This will include filling out appropriate documentation so that a criminal record bureau check can be initiated for the successful candidate.

3.4. Selection procedures
First interviews will normally take place over the course of a day – more if it is for a senior post. The day will normally start with a welcome and introduction. Candidates also will need the opportunity to find out about the post and the team with which they will be working.

• A variety of selection procedures will be used, for example:
• First Interview Candidates are asked to talk about particular events or developments in their career and explain to their interviewer how they are suitable for the post. Candidates will be asked questions regarding their experience in the education sector and particularly about their behaviour management skills. This can be a useful way of analysing a candidate’s motives and ways of working.

3.4.1 Practical Interview (Teaching in a school setting)

If candidates get through the first stage of the interview process, candidates may be given an appointment date for a practical interview, if necessary.
All practical interviews are witnessed by a Senior Member of staff. This provides very important information, especially about how well the candidates interact with children and how well they teach.

3.4.2 Final Interview

During the final interview, candidates are asked scenario-based, safeguarding and behaviour management related questions. This interview is carried out by a member of our recruitment department or senior leadership team. The final interview panel will receive feedback from each of the various selection activities that have taken place and then proceed to agree questions for the final interview.

All candidates must be given the same questions and tasks to do although it is entirely appropriate to ask candidates about issues arising from their initial application and from other selection methods used on the day.

3.5. References
References will be requested from both of the referees nominated by the candidate, one of which should be an up-to-date employer referee, i.e. current or most recent employer.
Primary PPA Cover will request a written reference. Primary PPA Cover will request information about:

• The candidate’s suitability for the post
• Attendance and punctuality
• Whether there are any outstanding disciplinary issues
• Whether there are any reasons why the candidate should not work with children and young people.
• Whether the referee recommends them for the post – without reservation, with reservation or not at all.

References will be read before the interview so that any issues arising can be investigated during the interview.

3.6. The appointment
Taking all the evidence gathered into consideration the panel makes its choice. The successful candidate is made a verbal offer of the post followed by a written job offer via email. If they accept then they are sent a contract of employment which states that their appointment is subject to satisfactory references and clear DBS disclosure checks. If a candidate’s DBS contains information not related to children, this will be at the discretion of the company and the school.

The unsuccessful candidates are informed by email/phone.

3.7. Safeguarding procedures on the interview day:

• During the day, the following checks will be made:
• Proof of identity
• Evidence of highest qualification
• Evidence of their DBS check/ and update service check
• All candidates will be asked to bring appropriate documentation for this
• The candidate will also be asked in the interview to explain any gaps in time on their CV. If there are any gaps or short-term posts on the CV, the candidate will be questioned accordingly.

3.8. After the appointment
The successful candidate is made an offer of employment and  contract will be issued immediately.

An induction programme is compiled by the relevant line manager which will include ensuring the appointee understands the company’s and school’s safeguarding procedures as well as completing Prevent and Frist Aid training. All staff must complete Primary PPA Cover online teaching course teaching in any of our schools.

Training will be provided where gaps have been identified. Staff trainings occur 3 times a year, and staff must agree to attend 2 out of 3 minimum to ensure they are receiving training in all necessary areas.

4. Monitoring, evaluation & review

Primary PPA Cover will evaluate its appointment procedures each year by researching any new requirements by Ofsted and the DfE and make appropriate revisions.
This will include asking people involved in selection procedures how they can be improved via an anonymous survey.
Primary PPA Cover also carries out annual appraisals and termly observations for staff which are planned visits to their school by a member of Senior Management. After each observation is carried out, employees receive feedback on their lesson with advice on how to improve for the future.
Any questions are answered by the appraiser.

5. Responsibilities

• Managers – oversight of the Policy and its implementation

6. Equal Opportunities in Recruitment

• Primary PPA Cover adheres to legislation regarding the recruitment of staff and considering all applicants on individual merit in terms of suitability, qualification, positive attitude, potential, and a diverse blend of skills & experiences. A diverse range of skills held within the team will only benefit everybody connected with the Primary PPA Cover community.