Safeguarding
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. Our approach is child-centred, meaning that at all times we consider what is in the best interests of the child.
At St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority. We have a strong culture of safeguarding, where protecting children is everyone’s responsibility and everyone’s priority.
Our Safeguarding Culture
We have clear systems and procedures in place to ensure that all members of our school community understand their safeguarding responsibilities. All staff are committed to ensuring that our children feel safe, happy and nurtured at all times.
Staff receive regular safeguarding training, including guidance on professional conduct and behaviour when working with children. All adults working in school are required to report any concerns, no matter how small, about a child’s welfare or the conduct of another adult.
We continually review and strengthen our safeguarding practice in line with the latest statutory guidance. Staff attend regular training and the school commissions external safeguarding audits to provide independent oversight and ensure the highest standards are maintained.
Working in Partnership
When concerns arise about a child’s welfare, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies. Wherever possible, and unless doing so would place a child at risk, concerns will be discussed with parents or carers at the earliest opportunity.
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Concerns about a child’s safety or welfare
If you are worried about a child, please act without delay. Contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads or Lancashire County Council Children’s Social Care using the details below.
Concerns about the conduct of an adult
If you have concerns about the conduct of any adult working with children in school, please contact the Headteacher immediately or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
If your concern relates to the Headteacher, please contact the Chair of Governors or the LADO.
Safeguarding Contacts
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mrs S Clayton – Headteacher
01772 335861
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Mrs C Holliday
01772 335861
Lancashire County Council – Children’s Social Care
0300 123 6720 (8:00am – 5:00pm)
0300 123 6722 (5:00pm – 8:00am)
Operation Encompass
St Bede’s Catholic Primary School participates in Operation Encompass. This initiative ensures schools are notified by the police as soon as possible after a domestic incident has occurred where a child may have been present.
This enables school staff to provide timely and appropriate support to children who may have experienced a distressing or frightening situation. The more information we have, the better we can support the child throughout the school day.
Prevent Duty
As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School fully supports the Government’s Prevent Strategy.
From 1 July 2015, schools have been subject to a duty under Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This is known as the Prevent Duty.
We support pupils by:
- Promoting fundamental British values
- Encouraging respect, tolerance and understanding
- Helping pupils develop resilience and critical thinking skills
- Teaching pupils how to challenge extremist views safely and appropriately
Further information about British Values can be found in the Curriculum section of our website.
All staff have completed the Home Office Prevent awareness training and are equipped to identify concerns and respond appropriately. Governors are kept informed of updates and developments through regular reporting.