Safeguarding
Child protection and Safeguarding information
Schools must have rigorous policies and procedures in place to safeguard children. Our school has several members of staff who have undertaken specialist training. Each School has a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
It may be helpful to know that the law places a duty on the Headteacher and their staff to report any obvious signs or suspected cases of child abuse – which include non-accidental injury, neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. The procedures are intended to protect children, and all schools are expected to accept that where there are grounds for concern, it is better to be safe than sorry. This means that the school risks upsetting some parents by reporting a case that proves unfounded on investigation. In such circumstances, it is hoped that families would accept that the school acted in what was believed to be the child’s best interests.
In line with government requirements, the school maintains a central list of checks on appointed staff and adults who work in or visit the school.
Click here for more information about Operation Encompass
Children have a right to be cared for and protected; protecting them is everyone’s responsibility. We take our duty of care to school users very seriously. We are committed to providing a secure and supportive environment where children can develop and grow into mature and responsible people. Safeguarding children is an essential part of our holistic approach to ensure that children are protected from abuse and neglect and that every child reaches their full potential. The best interests of the children will always be our priority. As such, there are times we will need to record, monitor and share information with other agencies. We will share concerns about our pupils with the child’s parents/carers unless we believe such a move would not be in the child’s best interest.
Safeguarding Roles in School
Designated Safeguarding Lead - Miss Dykes
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mr Bonney & Mr Marlow
Designated Safeguarding Link Governor - Mrs Hazlehurst
What can you do?
Parents and carers play a role in safeguarding children in their community. If you have any concerns, no matter how small, you should report them to someone who you trust will listen. The school must have a designated child protection officer for this purpose. Parents and children should speak to the safeguarding officer if they have concerns about a child or staff member. If you think a child or young person may be in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, contact St Helen's Children’s Social Care on.
St Helens Safeguarding Children Partnership
The Safeguarding Children Partnership is a multi-agency and independent partner. Its purpose is to ensure agencies in St Helens work together effectively to keep children safe.The advice is for anyone who has concerns or worries about a child or adult. Click link below
For a direct link to the St Helens Safeguarding Partnership page, please click HERE.
KCSIE 2023
This is statutory guidance from the Department of Education. It is essential that everybody working in a school or college understands that Safeguarding "is everyone's responsibility." Governors and the DSL ensure that staff have read and understood Part 1 of KCSIE for schools and colleges.