‘The school ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.'

 

The school also 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 child protection concerns but have a legal duty to refer them.

In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter or make enquiries.

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

 

St Clare's will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child and family.

 

Our school is committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare and expects all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment.

 

Everyone has a responsibility to act without delay to protect children by reporting anything that might suggest a child is being abused or neglected.

 

We would expect you to also report to the Head Teacher – Mrs MacKenzie or Designated Safeguarding Leads - Mrs Pilkington and Mrs O'Neill any behaviours of any adults working in the school that may concern you.

By signing our visitor book you are agreeing to follow the school’s safeguarding advice to visitors and where appropriate the code of conduct for staff and volunteers.

 

Should you wish to discuss any of the above matters further please contact Mrs MacKenzie – Head Teacher.

 

 

In conjunction with Merseyside Police, St Clare's Catholic Primary School is involved in an initiative called Operation Encompass.  The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic abuse incident.

Following such an incident, children will often arrive at school distressed, upset, worried and unprepared. Operation Encompass aims to ensure that appropriate school staff (called Key Adults) are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe and included.

 

At St Clare's Catholic Primary School our Key Adult is Miss Hughes (Learning Mentor)

 

This is a valuable initiative that means we can continue to support and help children and families within our school community when they need it the most. 

 

You can find our more by visiting www.operationencompass.org or by contacting our Key Adult.