SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION
SAFEGUARDING
What is Safeguarding?
Every human being has a value and dignity which we as Catholics acknowledge as coming directly from God’s creation of male and female in his own image and likeness. This implies a duty to value all people and therefore to support them and protect them from harm.
In the Catholic Church this is demonstrated by the provision of carefully planned activities for children, young people and adults; supporting families under stress; caring for those hurt by abuse in the past; ministering to and managing those who have caused harm.
It is because of these varied ministries that we need to provide a safe environment for all which promotes and supports their wellbeing.
This will include carefully selecting and appointing those who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults and responding robustly where concerns arise.
All volunteers working with children, young people or vulnerable adults must agree to adhere to the Catholic Church’s national safeguarding policies before they can be appointed and will be supplied with a copy of this leaflet and a pocket-size guide for ready reference.
CHILD PROTECTION
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School recognises our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be alert to the signs of abuse and maltreatment and will follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff and governors and are consistent with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
Core Principles:
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This statement is one of a series in the school’s integrated safeguarding portfolio. Our core safeguarding principles are as follows:
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The school’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance.
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Safer children make more successful learners.
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Representatives of the whole school community of pupils AND parents.
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Staff and governors will be involved in policy development and review.
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Policies will be reviewed annually, unless an incident or new legislation or guidance suggests the need for an interim review.
The statement and core principles demonstrate the school’s understanding that to carry out its role effectively it must:
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Give priority to the welfare of the child
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Understand the importance of respect
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Recognise the relationship between safety and learning
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Value the opinions and contributions of the whole school community
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Ensure staff are appropriately trained
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Develop and maintain effective procedures
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Comply with the prevailing legislation and consider prevailing guidance
If you have any Child Protection concerns, please contact one of the school's Designated Person(s) or the local authority's Designated Person