Safeguarding at St Modwen’s Catholic Primary School

‘SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IS EVERYONE’S CONCERN’

St Modwen’s Catholic Primary School is committed to ensuring that our children always feel safe and secure.  This involves a wide range of policies, procedures and supportive arrangements.  We have a strong culture of safeguarding and work tirelessly to keep your children safe, secure and well cared for.  It is only when children feel safe and secure that they will be able to be happy and ready to learn.  The excellent relationships between home and school, which are at the heart of St Modwen’s Catholic Primary, ensure that the channels of communication are always open between parents and staff.

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of any children, please speak to a member of our Safeguarding Team.

Tel: 01283 247560

School Safeguarding Team
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):	Mrs A Sherratt (Head Teacher)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs):	Miss A Smith (Deputy Head Teacher) Mrs C Salt (School Business Manager) – Mental Health Lead Mr D Quinn (Assistant Headteacher) Mrs L Chadfield (Assistant Headteacher) Mrs T Elsigood (Inclusion Support Manager – Pastoral Lead)
Safeguarding Link Governor:	Dr E Field
SENDCO:	Miss A Smith (Deputy Head Teacher)
Mental Health Support Team	Mrs A Sherratt – Head Teacher Miss A Smith – Deputy Head Teacher Mrs C Salt – School Business Manager – Mental Health Level 3, Certificate in Mental Health Schools Mrs T Elsigood – Inclusion Support Manager Mr T Brassington – Class Teacher Miss Z Mallinson – Class Teacher Mrs A Pratt – Nursery Manager

All our staff are encouraged to report any concerns that they have and not see these as insignificant.  On occasions, a referral is justified by a single incident such as an injury or disclosure of abuse.  More often, however, concerns accumulate over a period of time and are evidenced by building up a picture of harm over time; this is particularly true in cases of emotional abuse and neglect.  In these circumstances, it is crucial that staff record and pass on concerns in accordance with this policy to allow the Designated Safeguarding Leads (see above) to build up a picture and access support for the child at the earliest opportunity.

However, if you think the matter is very serious and may be related to a child protection concern, where the child has been harmed or is at risk of harm, e.g. physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect, you must talk to one of the people above immediately.  If you are unable to contact them you can ask the school office staff to find them and ask them to speak to you straight away about a confidential and urgent matter.

Operation Encompass

Our school participates in a police-led initiative called 'Operation Encompass', a scheme which will ensure that we can better support any child where a domestic incident has been reported to the police from their home.

Following a domestic incident, the police will make contact with the school via e-mail and communicate relevant information to nominated, fully-trained school staff.  This will ensure that we are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe, supported and listened to.

Each school has a member of staff called a 'key adult' who is trained to liaise with the police, when required, whilst ensuring support is available to the child.

YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OPERATION ENCOMPASS HERE

Reporting a Concern

We all have a duty to protect children and young people from harm.  If you have any concerns about a child or young person it is always best to share them.

If you believe the child to be at risk of immediate harm, this must be reported to the police on 999 or 101.

Once you have reported your concerns to the police, please contact Staffordshire Childrens Advice and Support Service or Emergency Duty Team. (SCAS) Telephone: 0300 111 8007 and select option 1.

If a child is not in immediate danger but at risk of harm, contact Staffordshire Childrens Advice and Support Service or Emergency Duty Team. (SCAS) Telephone: 0300 111 8007 and select option 1.

Ideally we would want to receive all enquiries by telephone so that we can gather all necessary information in a timely manner and make sure that parental agreement has been obtained from those with parental responsibility, unless this places an adult or child at risk of harm.

If you cannot reach us by phone, please make your enquiry online.

For your information, before making your enquiry you may wish to check the procedures online website for a glossary of relevant terminology.

Out of Hours:

Outside the hours above, or on weekends and bank holidays, please contact the Emergency Duty Team by telephoning 0345 604 2886.

What Will Happen Next?

Social workers will follow up every report where they believe a child may be at risk of harm.  They will talk to other people who know the child and may be able to provide a clearer picture.  This includes teachers, health visitors and members of the child's family.

After this, several things could happen:

• No further action will be taken
• Help and support will be offered to the family
• An investigation will take place

Worried about yourself, a friend or a child or young person you know?

Click on the links below for more help and support

Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board