Safeguarding
St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all members of the school community to share this commitment.
Everyone has a responsibility to act, without delay, to protect children by reporting anything that might suggest a child is being abused or neglected. It is our willingness to work safely and challenge inappropriate behaviours that underpins this commitment. The school seeks to work in partnership with families and other agencies to improve the outcomes for children who are vulnerable or in need.
To this end we will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued, whilst following our school mission statement of:
Faithfully following in the footsteps of Jesus
To serve, love and learn together
Inspiring each other to excellence
DESIGNATED LEADS
At St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary, our Senior Designated Lead for Child Protection and Safeguarding is Mrs. R. Halsall (Head Teacher) and we also have two members of staff who undertake the role of the Deputy Designated Lead for Child Protection and Safeguarding. These are Miss R. McAteer and Mrs K. Jones.
Our nominated Safeguarding Governors are Mr. G Bevin and Mr. I Parry.
Child Protection at St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary school
Our school staff are trained to be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and will follow the Sefton Safeguarding Children’s Partnership policies and procedures to ensure that children receive appropriate and effective support and protection.
Parents and carers should know that the law requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to concern about a child's welfare, including risk from abuse and neglect. The staff will seek to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer and, where possible, inform them of the referral to Children Social Care. This will only occur where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm.
In accordance with local Information sharing protocols, we will ensure that information is shared securely and sensitively. Information will only be shared with other services where it is deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure that children are safe and receive the right support at the right time.
School will seek advice from the multi-agency safeguarding Hub (MASH) integrated front door when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded. Parents/carers will appreciate that the member of staff in the school responsible for Child Protection (known as the Designated Lead) is charged with carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interest of the child.
Policies
We have a number of policies in place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary school which support our ethos for ensuring our children are safe, secure and in an environment where they can learn and feel protected.
Induction and Training
All our staff and volunteers have an induction schedule, which includes safeguarding training plus every member of staff has formal training every year.
This knowledge is maintained throughout the school year with regular reminders and updates from the Sefton Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, with our designated leads receiving further specialised training.
Robust Recruitment Procedures
As a school we take time to assess all applications and include clear expectations around safeguarding and suitability to work with children. We apply these protocols and expectations to regular volunteers too. Candidates should be expected to answer questions around safeguarding in their recruitment selection day.
PSHE Curriculum and E Safety Curriculum
Through our Personal Social and Health Education curriculum, children will learn how to keep themselves safe (age appropriate).
Similarly, with IT taking a leading part in our children's everyday lives we teach them how to be safe on line.
Site Security
We have stringent management and maintenance of our site to ensure it is safe and secure which includes management of visitors to our site.
All visitors must sign in and wear a visitor badge and be escorted unless they have met our vetting requirements to work in school unsupervised.
First Aid
We have designated trained staff to administer first aid and where necessary, we will advise parents of any treatment undertaken in school. Parents will be contacted by the class teacher if children have received a bumped head, or have a visible mark on their face, resulting from an accident. All medicine (excluding inhalers) has to be administered by a member of staff and signed into school, via the school office and kept in a central location, inaccessible to children.
Safeguarding Resources:
Should you become concerned about a child please contact school at the following email address, or phone the school office.
Contacting school: dsl@stpatricks.sefton.org.uk
If you need help or advice, the following websites may provide useful information:
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO TACKLE CHILD ABUSE
https://tacklechildabuse.campaign.gov.uk/
HOW TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR SHARE CONCERNS IN SEFTON.
SEFTON SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN PARTNERSHIP
Sefton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership - (seftonscp.org.uk)
NSPCC SPEAK OUT STAY SAFE PROGRAMME
Speak out Stay safe programme / NSPCC Learning
BULLY BUSTERS PROJECT
https://www.bullybusters.org.uk/
TALKING TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT TERROISM ATTACKS
talking_to_children_about_terror_attacks.pdf (seftonscp.org.uk)