Safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Lead- Mrs K. Matthews

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead- Mr R. Dickinson

St Augustine Webster Catholic Voluntary Academy School Safeguarding Children Statement 2019-2020

St Augustine Webster Catholic Voluntary Academy recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding, child protection and promoting the welfare of children.                              

The Safeguarding and Child Protection policy has been developed in accordance with the requirements identified in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019’

We recognise that because of the day to day contact with children, academy staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse, neglect, victimisation and exploitation. We will therefore:

• Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to
• Ensure children know that there are adults in the Academy whom they can approach if they are worried
• Include opportunities in the PSHE curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.

We will follow the procedures set out by North Lincolnshire Children’s Multi-Agency Resilience and Safeguarding Board (Mars) and guidance issued by the Department for Education to:

• Ensure we have a nominated Senior Leadership Team member responsible for Safeguarding.
• Ensure every member of staff (including temporary, supply and volunteers) and members of the governing board; know the name and understand the role of the designated senior person responsible for Safeguarding.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated senior person responsible for Safeguarding.
• Ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the Academy staff for Safeguarding by setting out their obligations by updating and publishing our policy on the school website annually.
• Notify the allocated social worker immediately if there is an unexpected absence of a pupil who is subject to a child protection plan.
• Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding child protection matters, including attendance at case conferences.
• Keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately.
• Ensure all records are kept securely in secure locations and have limited access.
• Follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of Academy staff or volunteer.
• Ensure ‘Safer Recruitment’ practices are always followed.
• Ensure the EARLY HELP PROCESS is available to support children who need additional support (the Early Help Strategy can be accessed at www.northlincscmars.co.uk

Should you have any concerns about the well-being of a child they should be reported immediately to one of the following:

Mrs K Matthews - Designated Safeguarding Lead	Mr R Dickinson - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs Dalton-  Safeguarding Officer and Early Help Lead