Keeping Children Safe in Education

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils, and we follow the statutory guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), issued by the Department for Education.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We work hard to create a nurturing and protective environment where children feel safe, secure, and supported. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all our staff receive regular training to recognise the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Our safeguarding approach is built around:

• Early identification of risks

• Robust policies and procedures

• Effective pastoral care

• Working in partnership with families and external agencies

Key Safeguarding Measures

• Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs):
  Our school has trained Designated Safeguarding Leads who oversee child protection concerns and ensure swift and appropriate action is taken.

• Safer Recruitment:
  All staff and volunteers go through rigorous safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance.

• Curriculum and Pupil Education:
  We teach children how to stay safe—online and offline—through our PSHE curriculum, assemblies, and themed days (e.g. Anti-Bullying Week, Online Safety Week).

• Online Safety:
  Our systems filter and monitor internet use, and we educate pupils on digital responsibility. Parents receive regular updates and guidance on supporting online safety at home.

• Attendance Monitoring:
  We track attendance closely to identify patterns that may indicate concerns about a child’s welfare.

• Working with Other Agencies:
  We have strong links with social care, health professionals, and other external partners to ensure a coordinated response when needed.

What Parents and Carers Can Expect

• All concerns are treated seriously and handled with sensitivity.

• We will always act in the best interests of the child.

• Where appropriate, we will involve you in discussions and decisions.

• If necessary, we will refer concerns to external safeguarding services in line with statutory procedures.

How You Can Help

Parents and carers play a vital role in safeguarding. Please:

• Speak to us if you are worried about your child or another pupil.

• Ensure your contact details are up to date.

• Encourage safe behaviour at home, particularly online.

• Support us by following our school policies and attending relevant parent workshops.

Who to Contact

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs Emanuel and Miss Black
Deputy DSLs: Miss Georigades, Mrs Neter and Mr Howell
Email: kemanuel@stmarysrc.lbhf.sch.uk
Phone: 02076037717

You can also find our full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy below