Saint Francis Catholic Voluntary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appropriate safeguarding is a prerequisite to the effective development and well-being of children and is therefore an underlying principle in all that we do.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Key Aspects of the DSL role include:

  • Making sure all staff are aware how to raise safeguarding concerns
  • Ensuring all staff understand the symptoms of child abuse and neglect
  • Referring any concerns to social care
  • Monitoring children who are the subject of Child Protection Plans
  • Maintaining accurate and secure child protection records

The school has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular Police, Health and Children’s Services.

Schools are not able to investigate concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances, the school will be able to inform the parents/carers of the need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by Children’s Social Care or Police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter.

We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset, but the school will follow legislation that aims to act in the best interests of the child.

 

 

Children at Saint Francis Catholic Primary School regularly use the Internet as part of their learning. Technology enhances learning, and we want to ensure that our children get the most from it, by encouraging safe and responsible online behaviour.

Get Advice for your Child online

Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. It is underpinned by the latest intelligence about offending.

Thinkuknow aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.

Get advice for you child on the Thinkuknow website - the programme provides educational resources, including films, cartoons and lesson plans, to help professionals raise young people’s awareness.

Here are some resources to help you and your children stay safer online.

St Francis Safeguarding Policy

St Francis Catholic Primary School fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect children and support pupils in school.

The aim of the policy is to safeguard and promote our pupils’ welfare, safety and health by fostering an honest, open, caring and supportive climate. The pupils’ welfare is of paramount importance.

You can download the St-Francis Child Protection / Safeguarding policy document.