Induction - New Staff

1. Welcome

Welcome to Castletown Primary School. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and ambitious learning environment in which every child can achieve their full potential.

This handbook is designed to support your induction and ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) (September 2025)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated)
• The Education Act 2002
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Equality Act 2010

2. School Overview

Our Vision

Our School Values

We follow nine school values: welcoming, respectful, responsible, supporting, truthful, hard-working, sharing, caring and kind.

School Structure: Governing Body, Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

School Day: Our school timings can be located on our school website : www.castletownprimary.org.uk.

3. Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff must read and understand Keeping Children Safe in Education (Part 1 or Annex A) and our school Child Protection policy. These can be located within our safeguarding section of our school website: www.castletownprimary.org.uk.

All staff should:

• Report concerns immediately to the DSL
• Do not investigate concerns yourself
• Maintain an ‘it could happen here’ mindset
• Record concerns using our school CPOMS system

3.1 Key Safeguarding Contacts

This poster is displayed throughout the school.

3.2 Whistleblowing

Concerns about staff conduct must be reported to the Headteacher or Chair of Governors in line with our whistleblowing policy.

3.3 Allegations Against Staff (KCSIE Part 4)

• Report to Headteacher immediately
• Headteacher contacts Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• Maintain confidentiality at all times

3.4 Safer Working Practice

Staff must:

• Maintain professional boundaries
• Avoid one-to-one situations in isolated areas
• Follow staff Code of Conduct

4. Health & Safety

• Staff should follow fire evacuation procedures (these are located within every classroom and around all exit points within school)
• Report accidents immediately
• Follow risk assessments and site rules
• Smoking is not allowed on the school site
• Mobile phones should only be used within designated areas located within school

5. Professional Conduct

At Castletown Primary School we maintain high expectations at all times. All staff should:

• Follow Teachers’ Standards (where applicable)
• Maintain a professional manner at all times
• Follow staff code of conduct / Safer Care Code of Conduct Policy.
• Dress appropriately/professionally and maintain confidentiality
• No facial piercings or tattoos
• Maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour
• Maintain confidentiality

6. Behaviour and Discipline

Staff should adhere to our  Behaviour for Learning policy and, in line with DfE guidance, staff should:

• Have clear behaviour expectations
• Maintain a positive reinforcement approach
• Be consistent with sanctions/consequences
• Follow anti-bullying procedures

7. Teaching and Learning Expectations

Staff should ensure they deliver:

• A broad and balanced curriculum (National Curriculum)
• High-quality teaching and adaptive practice
• Assessment aligned with school policy
• Marking and feedback expectations as set out in school policy

8. SEND (Statutory: SEND Code of Practice 2015)

• Our SENCO is Mrs E. Sample
• We use a graduated approach: Assess–Plan–Do–Review
• Staff support EHCP processes
• Staff should maintain inclusive classroom practice

9. Attendance

In line with DfE guidance all teaching staff should:

• Follow registration procedures
• Daily monitoring of attendance
• Follow-up of absence
• Be aware of safeguarding links to persistent absence

10. Equality and Inclusion (Equality Act 2010)

Staff should show no discrimination on protected characteristics and demonstrate inclusive practice embedded in all areas.

11. Data Protection (UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018)

• Personal data must be handled securely
• Follow school data protection policy
• Report breaches immediately to our school DPO – Mr. M. Lawson

12. Online Safety (KCSIE)

• Castletown Primary has a robust filtering and monitoring system in place
• Staff must model safe online behaviour at all times
• Staff must report online concerns immediately to our E-Safety Lead – Mr. L. Bowdler

13. Communication

• Use school systems professionally
• Communicate respectfully with parents/carers
• Follow our school social media policy

14. Staff Wellbeing

At Castletown Primary School, we place a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of both staff and pupils, recognising that positive staff wellbeing is essential for maintaining high standards of teaching and learning. We are committed to supporting all staff through access to appropriate wellbeing resources, careful consideration of workload and the promotion of a healthy work–life balance. Staff are encouraged to seek support where needed and to speak openly with members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) if any concerns arise, ensuring that appropriate guidance and support can be provided in a timely manner.

15. Induction Checklist

• Read KCSIE Part 1 (school website)
• Read School Child Protection policy (school website)
• Meet DSL
• Complete safeguarding Level.1 training
• Read our Behaviour for Learning policy (school website)
• Read our School Marking and feedback policy (school website)
• Receive ID badge
• Set up IT systems (email, CPOMS, Class Dojo)
• Complete personal paperwork – school office
• Be familiar with school policies (school website)

We hope this induction pack has provided you with clear, comprehensive and useful information to support you in your new role at Castletown Primary School.

If you have any further questions or require clarification on any aspect of school life, policies or procedures, please do not hesitate to speak with a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), who will be more than happy to assist and provide further guidance.

We are committed to ensuring that all staff feel well-supported from the outset and throughout their time with us. Our priority is that you settle in quickly, feel confident in your role and experience a positive and rewarding start to your journey at our school.

At Castletown Primary School, we strive to foster a welcoming, inclusive and highly productive environment in which both staff and pupils feel valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best.