St Helen's CE Primary School

Safeguarding

St Helen’s Church of England Primary School fully recognises the contribution we can make to protect children from harm and to support and promote the welfare of all children who are pupils at our school. This policy applies to all stakeholders; this includes pupils, staff, parents, governors, volunteers, placement students and visitors.

As a Church of England School we in line with the key document Valuing all God’s Children 2022, central to Christian theology is the truth that every single one of us is made in the image of God. Every one of us is loved unconditionally by God

This policy will give clear direction to all stakeholders about expectations and our legal and moral responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children at our school.

St Helen’s Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the physical, mental and emotional welfare of every pupil. We implement a whole-school preventative approach to managing safeguarding concerns, ensuring that the wellbeing of pupils is at the forefront of all action taken. We recognise that no single professional can have a full picture of a child’s needs and circumstances. If children and families are to receive the right help at the right time, everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action.

St Helen’s Church of England Primary School operates a ‘it can happen here approach’. There is an ethos of challenge and responsibility on all within the school. The DSL with the SLT and staff to ensure that key messages are reinforced throughout the year and react and respond to local and national trends. The school also works closely with Safeguarding services to audit and support the ongoing work of the school.

Due to day-to-day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour, or failure to develop. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of school staff that a child may have been abused, the school is required, as part of the local Child Protection Procedures, to report their concern to the Social Services Department immediately.

Safeguarding Team

Parents/Carers who have any questions or worries regarding Child Protection issues should speak to either:

Mrs D Day - Pastoral Care Leader & Child Protection Officer (DSL)
Mr L Swift - Headteacher (DSL)
Mrs C Saxton- Assistant Headteacher and SENCo (DDSL)
Mr A Preston - Deputy Head (DDSL)

If you think a child is in immediate danger, please telephone the police on 999.

Click on this link for The Parent Zone

http://parentinfo.org/page/for-schools - this link will keep you up-to-date with latest developments on line and how you can keep your children safe when they are using the internet.

We are here to talk to if you feel unsafe or if you are worried about someone else. Please see us in school or contact us on 01977 617955.

Mr L Swift - Headteacher and Child Protection Officer

Mrs Day - Pastoral Care Leader & Child Protection Officer (DSL)

Useful websites & telephone numbers:

www.nspcc.org.uk / 0808 800500
Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership - https://www.wakefieldscp.org.uk/worried-about-a-child/
Childline 0800 1111
Social Care Direct 0845 850350
Children can access local support via WF-I-Can website.- https://wf-i-can.co.uk/
Promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
https://youngminds.org.uk/youngminds-professionals/
https://www.selfharm.co.uk/
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/do-i-have-an-eating-disorder
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools--2

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The importance of good mental health and well being has never been more important. Below we have listed some really useful websites for you access should you wish to or want to. We hope you find them useful.

Mental health and well being will be at the top of our curriculum agenda. If you ever have concerns over your child or someone close to them then I urge you to inform the class teacher so we can do our best for them in school. It is crucial we continue to build strong relationships with you as parents and us as a school.

Families and young people are now able to self-refer to CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) through the single point of access (SPA) . You don’t need a GP or school to do this for you. The SPA number is 01977 735865, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Being safe online (E-safety)

Being online is an integral part of children and young people’s lives. Social media, online games, websites and apps can be accessed through mobile phones, computers, laptops and tablets – all of which form a part of children and young people’s online world.

The internet and online technology provides new opportunities for young people’s learning and growth, but it can also expose them to new types of risks.

At St Helen's E-safety is a fundamental part of our pupils education learning through lessons, discussions and online support.

If you feel that you would like further support with online safety, below are some useful links:

UK Internet Safety Centre