Safeguarding 

Keeping children safe

At St. Cuthbert's, the safety and wellbeing of our children is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where every child feels valued and knows that they can talk to a trusted adult if they are worried about something.

Our safeguarding team works closely with children, families and other professionals to identify concerns early and make sure children receive the right support.

Meet our Safeguarding Team

DSLs:

Mrs Dunn – Headteacher

Mrs Mulryan – SENDCO/Assistant Headteacher
 

Miss Shotton – Year 6 Teacher/Assistant Headteacher
 

Miss Ponizy-Gale – Pastoral Officer

DDSLs:

Mrs Mawson – Attendance Officer/School Office Administrator 
 

Miss Yu – Learning Support Assistant
 

Mrs Knowles – After School Club Manager

Worried about a child?

If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact the school and ask to speak to a member of our safeguarding team.

What does safeguarding include? 

Safeguarding is about much more than responding to concerns about abuse. Our safeguarding work includes supporting children with:

• Child protection and welfare
• Emotional wellbeing and mental health
• Online safety
• Bullying and child-on-child abuse
• Neglect
• Domestic abuse
• Attendance and children missing education
• Exploitation and harmful behaviours
• Prevent and radicalisation
• Safety in and outside of school

Working with parents and carers

We recognise that families can experience difficult circumstances at different times. Our aim is to work in partnership with parents and carers wherever possible.
 

If we have a concern about a child's safety or wellbeing, we may need to speak with parents or carers and, where appropriate, seek advice or support from other professionals.
 

If you are worried about something affecting your child's wellbeing, please speak to us.

Our school is part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that supports schools in responding to information shared by the police where there may be concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing. Relevant information may be shared with our safeguarding team so that we can consider whether a child may need additional support in school.

Any information received is treated sensitively and confidentially and is used to help us understand a child's circumstances and provide appropriate support.

E-Safety/Online Safety 

Children spend an increasing amount of time online through phones, tablets, gaming devices and social media. We work with pupils to help them understand how to stay safe online and what to do if something makes them feel uncomfortable or worried. Children use technology every day for learning, entertainment, gaming and staying connected with friends. While the internet has many benefits, children can also encounter risks online. At St. Cuthbert's, we teach children how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully and encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsafe.

We encourage parents and carers to talk regularly with their children about their online experiences and to know which apps, games and platforms they are using. You do not need to be an expert in technology – showing an interest and keeping communication open can make it easier for your child to come to you if something goes wrong.

How can parents and carers help?

You can help your child stay safer online by:

• Talking regularly about what they are doing online and who they are talking to.
• Knowing which apps, games and websites your child uses and checking the recommended age rating.
• Using parental controls and privacy settings where appropriate.
• Helping your child create strong, unique passwords and explaining why passwords should not be shared with friends.
• Encouraging children to tell you if something online makes them uncomfortable, frightened or worried.
• Reminding children that they can block and report people or content that makes them feel unsafe.
• Encouraging children to think carefully before sharing photographs, videos or personal information.
• Keeping devices such as phones and tablets out of bedrooms overnight where appropriate, particularly for younger children.
• Regularly checking that location sharing is switched off unless it is genuinely needed.
• Making sure children understand that people online may not always be who they claim to be.

Useful online safety support

CEOP – Report concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming and find advice for parents and carers.

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

Childline – Free, confidential support for children and young people.

https://www.childline.org.uk/

NSPCC – Advice and guidance for parents about keeping children safe online.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

UK Safer Internet Centre – Advice, resources and guidance about online safety for children, young people, parents and schools.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/