Safeguarding
Here at St Chad’s we work hard to ensure the safety of all our pupils and staff during their time at our school. If you have any concerns over the welfare of anyone of our school community, please speak to one of our safeguarding team directly or phone them on 464 6554. The named staff have completed their DSL training and have regular safeguarding updates. They will be happy to listen to you.
Safeguarding Team
Mrs Parker
Acting Headteacher
Mrs Ryan
Acting Deputy
Headteacher
Mrs Azadeh
Child & Family Support
Worker
When and what might I be concerned about?
At any time you may be concerned about information which suggests a child is being neglected or experiencing physical, emotional or sexual harm.
You may observe physical signs, notice changes in the child’s behaviour or presentation, pick up signs of emotional distress or have a child disclose a harmful experience to you.
Harm to a child can be caused by:
A parent/carer A family member/friend Another child A stranger A member of staff/volunteer
What should I do if a child discloses that s/he is being harmed?
1. Listen
Listen carefully to what is being said to you, do not interrupt.
2. Reassure
Reassure the pupil that it is not their fault. Stress that it was the right thing to tell. Be calm, attentive
and non-judgemental. Do not promise to keep what is said a secret. Ask non-leading questions (TED)
to clarify if necessary: ‘Tell me more…’ ‘Explain that to me…’ ‘Describe what happened …’
Then follow the steps in the flowchart:
RECOGNISE YOUR CONCERN:
RESPOND
Inform your DSL (Martina Parker) / Deputy DSLs (Maria Ryan and Josephine Azadeh)
WITHOUT DELAY
RESPOND
Inform your DSL (Martina Parker) / Deputy DSLs (Maria Ryan and Josephine Azadeh)
WITHOUT DELAY
RECORD
Make a written record (using the child’s own words). Sign, date it and pass the record to the DSL/deputy DSLs (where appropriate)*
What should I do if the alleged abuser is a member of staff?
If your concern is about a staff member or volunteer, you should report this to the Head Teacher. If your concern is about the Head Teacher, you should report such allegations to the Chair of Governors. Contact details can be found at the bottom of the page.
How do I ensure my behaviour is always appropriate?
Please ask a member of the Senior Leadership Team for school guidance regarding Safer Working Practice. The DSCF
Contacts
DSL – MARTINA PARKER DEPUTY DSLs – MARIA RYAN and JOSEPHINE AZADEH
CONTACT DSLs – email: or telephone 0121 464 6554
Chair Of Governors – Alex Smith
In line with this, regardless of the source of harm, you MUST report your concern. To do nothing is NOT an option!