Safeguarding
The Designated Safegurding Lead (DSL) at Our Lady's is Mrs Y Gac (Headteacher)
The Deputy Designated Safegurding Lead (DDSL) at Our Lady's are Miss N Bricsoe (Assistant Head and SENDCO)
and Mrs A Amos (SENDCO assistant)
Our school's safeguarding governor is Mrs M Cunnigham
Safeguarding and Child Protection
At Our Lady’s School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our highest priority. We are committed to ensuring that all children are safe, protected, and supported to achieve their full potential.
We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we work in partnership with parents, carers, staff, governors, and external agencies to keep children safe.
Our Safeguarding Approach
We have a strong safeguarding culture where:
· Children feel safe, valued, and listened to
· Staff are vigilant and act promptly on concerns
· Safeguarding is embedded in everyday practice
Our safeguarding arrangements are in line with:
· Keeping Children Safe in Education (statutory guidance)
· Local Authority safeguarding procedures
· Relevant legislation and statutory requirements
Policies and Procedures
The school has clear and robust safeguarding and child protection policies, which are:
· Reviewed regularly
· Approved by governors
· Available on the school website
These include:
· Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
· Behaviour Policy
· Online Safety Policy
· Attendance Policy
· Whistleblowing Policy
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)
The school has trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.
Their responsibilities include:
· Managing and responding to safeguarding concerns
· Making referrals to children’s services and other agencies
· Providing advice and support to staff
· Ensuring accurate and secure record-keeping
· Details of our DSLs can be found on safeguarding posters around school, in the school office, and in our Safeguarding Policy.
Staff Training and Awareness
All staff:
· Receive safeguarding and child protection training on induction
· Undertake regular safeguarding updates
· Are trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
· Understand their duty to report concerns immediately
· Safeguarding training is regularly refreshed and monitored.
Safer Recruitment
· We are committed to safer recruitment practices. This includes:
· Appropriate checks on all staff and volunteers
· Enhanced DBS checks where required
· Thorough recruitment and vetting procedures
· Maintaining a Single Central Record
Supporting Children and Families
We understand that children may face challenges that affect their wellbeing and attendance at school. We aim to:
· Identify concerns early
· Provide support within school where possible
· Work closely with parents and carers
· Engage external agencies when required
· The child’s welfare is always our primary concern.
Online Safety
We recognise the importance of keeping children safe online. The school:
· Teaches children how to stay safe when using technology
· Has filtering and monitoring systems in place
· Provides guidance for parents on online safety at home
Online safety is taught as part of the curriculum and reinforced regularly.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact the school immediately and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services straight away.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
· Creating a safe and inclusive environment
· Acting swiftly and appropriately on concerns
· Maintaining high standards of safeguarding practice
· Ensuring safeguarding is effective and regularly reviewed
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.
Making a referral
If you have any concerns regarding a child or individual, please make an online referral to Social Care.
Click here to make an online referral.
If you believe that the child or individual is in immediate danger, please contact the police.
Early Help
What is Early Help?
Early Help is a way of getting extra help and support when your family needs it, but getting it as soon as difficulties start, rather than waiting until things get worse. It’s for children and young people of any age and their family. Help can come from all kinds of services and organisations who work together to support your family. You might be using some of these services already, but we want to make sure they are providing the right support for you and your family’s needs.
Why would you seek Early Help?
It could be that you’re worried about your child’s health, development or behaviour, or perhaps because you are caring for a disabled child. Maybe you, your child or your whole family are affected by relationships within the family, drugs or alcohol or you are experiencing personal distress or anxiety, financial or housing problems. By getting help from the right services at the right time, and as early as possible, we can help prevent or reduce potential problems for children as they grow up.
Internet Safety