Safeguarding Statement

At Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, our first priority - above and beyond academic performance - is the wellbeing and safety of every child.  We spend a great deal of time and care getting to know each child, giving them somebody to talk to and trust.  Our aim is to ensure that every child feels loved, special and understood.

The following statement outlines our approach to safeguarding concerns for parents/ carers:

‘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 enquires. 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.

The school will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child and family.’

Safeguarding Team

The Named Child Protection Co-ordinator is Mrs H. Bannon (Headteacher)

The Deputy Child Protection Co-ordinator is Ms J. Hodges (Deputy Headteacher)

Other members of school staff who are trained in safeguarding and also members of the team are: Mrs J. Reece SENCO, Mrs M.Calderwood

The nominated governor for safeguarding is Mrs A. Brodie

Prevent Duty

Below are websites and contact details for different organisations, for children and adults with information about how to keep children safe, support families and safeguarding:

Careline Information

Report a child at risk

If you have a concern about a child please contact Careline on 233 3700 or Merseyside Police on 709 6010 (999 in an emergency).

When is a child at risk?

You should contact us if you feel that:

• A child needs protection – if you feel that a child is suffering harm, neglect or abuse, we can investigate and act to protect the child.

• A family is under stress – we can offer support and advice and help families access support from other services.

• A child is seriously ill or disabled – we can arrange an assessment of the child’s and family’s needs and provide support.

Liverpool Safeguarding Children Board

Find out what we are doing in Liverpool to protect children and improve their well- being by visiting the Liverpool Safeguarding Board website - https://liverpoolscp.org.uk/scp

 The site has information and guidance for:

• Professionals working with children and young people.

• Parents and carers.

• Young people.

Childline - Free, confidential advice anytime, whatever your worry, whenever you need help.

0800 1111

NSPCC - If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact the NSPCC's professional counsellors for help, advice and support.

0808 800 5000

Merseyside Police

You can call on 101. If it's an emergency ring 999.

DM the police on Twitter or Facebook: @MerPolCC

Instagram: @merseysidepolice

Crimestoppers - You can share information over the phone or online without being traced.

0800 555 111

Additional guidance and sources of information about how to keep your child safe: