Safeguarding
KEY SMW SAFEGUARDING POLICIES:
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
[Note this policy also incorporates school policies in relation to safer recruitment, allegations against staff and low-level concerns] - Whistleblowing Policy
- Children Missing Education Policy
SAFEGUARDING AT ST MARGARET WARD
St Margaret Ward Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy which can be viewed by clicking on the link in the policies section.
As our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr Jason Hughes (Headteacher), would be the first point of contact if you had a concern about one of our pupils. In his absence, our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Miss Aine Flynn (Deputy Headteacher), would be available. The school number is 0161 969 9852. The Governor with responsibility for safeguarding in our school in Mrs Denise Brereton - dbrereton@smwprimary.net
All of our staff receive regular safeguarding training. This includes training on the Government's Prevent Duty to counter radicalism and extremism. The designated safeguarding lead and deputies receive further in-depth safeguarding training at least every two years.
The safeguarding leads also attend multi-agency meetings. Sometimes school may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. School also participates in 'Operation Encompass', a Police initiative which informs us about domestic abuse incidents relating to any of our pupils.
School ensures that stringent recruitment and vetting procedures are in place for staff and other adults, and that nobody commences work unless all necessary checks are complete to a satisfactory level. The same rigour is applied when appointing volunteers.
Throughout school, safeguarding is taught as part of our curriculum. We appreciate that whilst adults in school are working hard to keep children safe, children too can play a large part in keeping themselves and their peers safe from abuse and neglect. An age-appropriate curriculum is rolled out in school to build capacity amongst our pupils in their understanding of particular issues, and what actions they can take to be safe
The school's safeguarding procedures are monitored by Trafford Council via an electronic audit known as the Section 175.
ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT A CHILD?
Parents/carers with a safeguarding concern about a child can also contact Trafford Children's First Response team (formerly MARAT) on 0161 912 5125 or email firstresponse@trafford.gov.uk.
First Response acts as the 'front door' for Trafford's children and young people's service. First Response accepts referrals for children and young people that are deemed to be in need of a certain level of support and undertakes child protection enquiries where appropriate.
You can also contact the NSPCC helpline. If you're worried about a child, or even if you're just unsure, you can contact one of their professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.