Safeguarding Information
Concerned?
Acting quickly can make all the difference.
If you think a child might be suffering neglect or abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do. But your action is vital in making sure that child gets the help they need.
If you are concerned about a child in Kent call the Kent Safeguarding Children Board reporting line on 03000 411111.
For more information about the Kent Safeguarding Children Board please visit their website https://www.kscb.org.uk/
Alternatively you can call Childline if you are an adult or a child, on 08001111. Childline can also be reached online at www.childline.org.uk
If you think the child is in immediate danger, you should call the police.
Safeguarding Leads
At St Mary's we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs McGarrigle (Headteacher). Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Mrs Davison (Deputy Headteacher), Mrs Fletcher (Head of Key Stage 1), and Mrs Pooley (Head of Key Stage 2). The Governor with responsibility for safeguarding in our school in Mrs Sepet (Foundation Governor).
To contact any of our safeguarding leads please contact the school office on 01322 665212.
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING ATTENDED BY ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF IN 2018/2019
Designated Safeguarding Lead Training.
Safeguarding update training.
Online Safeguarding Threats: Risks, Threats and Digital Dangers.
ELSA
Suicide First Aid Training
Adoption, Post Permanence and the School's Role.
Safeguarding Governor Update Training
Supporting Pupils with Unmet Attachment Needs
Stonewall Training
Gangs and Youth Violence
Policies
Please see our safeguarding, e-safety and Early Years safeguarding policy below.
Operation Encompass
St Mary's is part of Operation Encompass, which provides schools with information, if any child who attends there is involved in an incident of domestic abuse (even if they are not hurt, but witness another harmed). Information will only be provided to Mrs McGarrigle, and will only be used for support of the child involved. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school office and ask for Mrs McGarrigle.
IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT A CHILD, AND FOR ANY REASON ARE UNABLE TO SPEAK TO SCHOOL STAFF OR KENT'S SAFEGUARDING SERVICES, THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS CAN BE USED (THEY CAN ALSO BE FOUND IF YOU GOOGLE THE NAMES):
CHILDLINE: call 0800 1111
or online contact or chat at: www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/
Childline insist that no problem is too big or too small. Their service is free, and will not appear on any telephone bill.
NSPCC: Adults should call 0808 800 5000 if they are concerned about the safety of a child.
Children should call the CHILDLINE number on: 0800 1111
Use of Images
Whilst lots of parents and carers really enjoy seeing photos and videos of their children’s school life we are very mindful of our duty of care towards all our pupils.
We take the issue of safeguarding very seriously and this includes the use of photographic and video images.
Any photographs or videos taken by parents, carers and relatives at school productions, sports days or other events are for the enjoyment of individual families. They must not be used in any way that could potentially place a child at risk. This would include publishing images in any form of print or on the internet including social networking sites.
We understand that in some circumstances a parent or carer may not wish their child to be photographed or videoed in this way. If this is the case then please contact the headteacher to discuss how this can be best achieved.
We like to use photographs of our children on our website, in school documents, on our school social media accounts and in newsletters. Consent letters regarding the schools' use of images of children are sent out upon admission to the school however if you require more information regarding this then please contact the school on 01322 665121.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency or threat situation in school, the school has procedures in place which we share with the local authority, and our partner agencies (for example Kent Police). We use guidance from Kent County Council to develop these procedures, but we do not share our policies in this area because to do so could place children and adults at additional risk. Parents are welcome to discuss these with us and raise any concerns.
If you are aware of any radicalisation or extremism threat, please use the following numbers:
999 if there is an immediate threat.
03000 414141 (Kent Helpline)
0800 789 321 (Police Helpline)