Safeguarding & Wellbeing
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
At Our Lady and St. Edward's Catholic Primary School, safeguarding children is at the heart of everything we do. It is everyone's responsibility, and every individual who comes into contact with children and families has an essential role to play in keeping them safe.
The welfare of our pupils is our paramount concern. The governing body ensures that our school will safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We work closely with other agencies to ensure that our school has robust arrangements in place to identify, assess, and support those children who may be suffering or are at risk of harm.
As a school community, we believe that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. All those directly involved with the school—staff members, governors, parents, families, and pupils - play a vital role in creating a safe and secure environment for our children.
Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
To learn more about how we protect and support our pupils, please read our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy on the policies page of the school website.
Prevent Strategy
What is the Prevent Strategy?
The Prevent strategy is a government initiative designed to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist causes. It aims to safeguard individuals from the risks associated with radicalisation, ensuring that children and young people are not drawn into extremist or violent ideologies.
The Prevent strategy addresses all forms of terrorism and extremism.
For more information, visit Educate Against Hate.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
All schools have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism, just as we protect them from other forms of harm, such as drugs or gang violence.
As part of this duty, we must take steps to ensure that our pupils are not exposed to extremist views or radical ideologies. Our school is committed to educating pupils about the dangers of radicalisation and providing them with the skills to critically evaluate different ideas and perspectives in a safe and supportive environment.
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not always be suitable for younger children. It’s also about teaching fundamental values such as tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding.
Providing a Safe Space
Importantly, we aim to create a safe space where pupils can openly discuss any concerns or issues they may have. This gives them the opportunity to better understand how to protect themselves and make informed decisions in a world where they may encounter a range of different views.
Other Useful Safeguarding Links
Wirral Safeguarding: WIRRAL SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN PARTNERSHIP
NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
NSPCC’s helpline number for children and young people who’ve experienced abuse at school, and for worried adults and professionals that need support and guidance. NSPCC helpline Report Abuse in Education on 0800 136 663 or email [email protected]
Talk PANTS: With the help of a friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus, Talk PANTS is a simple conversation to help keep your child safe from sexual abuse. It helps children understand that their body belongs to them, and they should tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=vanity&utm_campaign=2016+pants
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/
CEOP's: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
CEOP Parent Zone: https://parentinfo.org/