"Pupils develop highly positive attitudes to learning because relationships with staff are strong. Adults encourage pupils to ‘have a go’ and reinforce the message that they should work without fear of failure. Consequently, pupils willingly try new things, confident that their teachers and learning support assistants will help them if they go wrong or get stuck."
OFSTED Report
April 2023

Safeguarding

Safeguarding at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

At St Joseph’s, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are fully committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child in our care. All staff, governors, and volunteers share this responsibility and work together to ensure our school remains a safe and nurturing environment.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the proactive approach we take to protect children from harm and to promote their welfare. This includes:

  • Protecting children from abuse and neglect
  • Preventing harm to their health or development
  • Ensuring they grow up in a safe and supportive environment
  • Taking action to help all children achieve the best possible outcomes

Child protection is a key part of safeguarding and refers to the specific actions taken to protect children who are at risk of significant harm.

Safeguarding applies to all children and young people up to the age of 18.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We have a comprehensive set of policies and procedures in place to support our safeguarding responsibilities, including our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. These are regularly reviewed and updated in line with national guidance.

We follow key Department for Education documents, including:

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (July 2023)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2024)
  • The Prevent Duty (2015)

We also work closely with external agencies when necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils. Where concerns arise, we will always aim to involve parents and carers unless doing so would place a child at further risk.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is:
Mrs Sinead Killian (Deputy Headteacher)

In her absence, members of the Senior Leadership Team and our Family Workers—who are all trained to the same level—will act as deputies.

Photographs and Videos

We understand that parents and carers enjoy capturing special moments at school events. However, we ask that any photos or videos taken are used for personal enjoyment only and not shared publicly, especially on social media, to protect the privacy and safety of all children.

To celebrate learning and achievements, we may use photographs of pupils on our website, in newsletters, and around the school. No child is ever identified by name. If you do not wish your child’s image to be used in this way, please contact the Headteacher.

Working Together to Keep Children Safe

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. We encourage all parents and carers to speak to us if they have any concerns about a child’s welfare. Together, we can ensure that every child at St Joseph’s feels safe, supported, and able to flourish.