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Safeguarding

The health, safety and welfare of all our children are of paramount importance to all the adults who work in our school. Our children have the right to protection, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or disability. They have a right to be safe in our school and out of school.

In the interest of safeguarding children there may be occasions when the school has to consult other agencies without a parent’s prior knowledge. The school’s first concern is the child’s welfare and the school has a duty to act to protect the child at all times.

Such consultation may result in a formal referral which could prompt visits from social services and/or the police.

We fully understand that this can be a very distressing set of circumstances, but we can only assure you that we follow the procedures laid down by the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Board, a copy of which is available in school as is a copy of our own policy.

A Safeguarding and Health and Safety Advice leaflet is provided to every visitor and anyone on request from the office.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

 

Name

Role

Mrs Michelle Moss Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Paul Higgins Headteacher/ Deputy DSL
Ms Aurnia McCarthy Deputy Head/ Deputy DSL
Mr Ian Courtney Safeguarding Governor
All contact details are on our Safeguarding Policy at the bottom of the page

Please read our termly Safeguarding Newsletters for up-to-date information and guidance. Click here

St John Fisher School’s Safeguarding Information for Visitors

For your safeguarding and health and safety purposes, please be aware of the following:

  • It is a statutory requirement that camera phones are NOT PERMITTED and it is our policy that phones are switched off and placed securely in your pocket or bag.
  • All staff wear ID badges on a blue lanyard. All visitors on site must sign at the reception desk where you will be given a visitor’s badge (on a red lanyard).
  • Reception will contact the member of staff dealing with your visit.
  • Please remain with your ‘host’ throughout the duration of your stay unless you are from an external agency and here to work with a child/group of children. In the event of a fire alarm, please make your way to the assembly point with a member of staff.
  • In the event of a safeguarding concern, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), our Home/School Mentor, Mrs Michelle Moss. Our Principal, Mr Paul Higgins and our Deputy Principal, Ms Aurnia McCarthy are the Deputy Safeguarding Leads. Any allegations against staff or Whistleblowing MUST be reported to the Principal, Mr Higgins. If the allegation is against Mr Higgins this must be reported to the Chair of our Academy Committee, Mr Ian Courtney.
  • Please note this is a no smoking site.
  • Parking on this site is at your own risk.
  • Should you be involved in any kind of accident, please report the incident to the member of staff you are with/visiting or the School Manager, Mr Matthew White
  • Please return your visitor’s badge to reception as you sign out.

Further Information

What to do if you are worried about a child

It is everybody’s responsibility to keep children and young people safe. If you’re concerned that a child is being abused or neglected you should report it so that the child can be protected.

If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

If you have a concern about a child, please call MASH on 0345 050 7666.

 

You can also contact the NSPCC for help and guidance if you have any concerns

 If you’re worried about a child, even if you’re unsure, you can speak to us about your concerns. Whether you want to report child abuse and neglect or aren’t sure what to do, we’re here to listen, offer advice and support and can take the next steps if a child’s in danger.

Due to an increase in demand across our service, our voice helpline is currently operating between the hours of 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am and 2pm at the weekends. However, you can email us at any time. It’s free and you don’t have to say who you are.

Tel: 0808 800 5000

Email:  help@nspcc.org.uk

To make a report online, go to: NSPCC

Keeping Children Safe in Education DfE Guidance