Safeguarding

St Mary & St Thomas safeguarding arrangements are inspected by Ofsted under the judgements for behaviour and safety, and leadership and management.

Our core safeguarding principles are:

• The school's responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children is of paramount importance
• Safer children make more successful learners
• Representatives of the whole-school community of pupils, parents, staff and governors will be involved in policy development and review
• Policies will be reviewed at least annually unless an incident or new legislation or guidance suggests the need for an interim review

Child Protection Statement

At St Mary & St Thomas we recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.

The designated senior person (DSP) for child protection is Mrs Natalie Parry.

Safeguarding at St Mary & St Thomas

We have a 'Need to Talk' button available on our school website to help children share any worries or concerns quickly and safely:

• Provides a confidential way for children to let us know if they need support even when not on the school site
• Can be used for worries about friendships, wellbeing, or concerns at home or in school
• Messages are monitored by our safeguarding team
• Submissions are reviewed during school hours only and responded to within the school day where possible

Please note, this feature is not intended for:

• ? Use by parents parents should contact the school office in the usual way
• ? Urgent safeguarding concerns or situations where a child is in immediate danger these should be reported to the appropriate services:
• Social Services: 01744 676767
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Police: 999 (emergency)
• Communication outside school hours that requires an immediate response
• General enquiries such as reporting absences, club bookings or routine communication
• Day-to-day queries that should be directed to the school office