Safeguarding Statement

At St Richard’s Catholic Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and supportive environment where all children are protected from harm and able to flourish. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all staff, governors and volunteers share this commitment.

We have robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place, including our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which can be found on our Key Information: Policies page. These policies are regularly reviewed and updated in line with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We operate a strong culture of vigilance. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and are confident in identifying concerns, acting promptly and following clear reporting procedures. Where concerns arise, we work closely with parents and carers and engage with external agencies when necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes for children. Information may be shared without parental consent where this is in the child’s best interests or where there is a safeguarding concern.

Safeguarding begins with safer recruitment. The school follows rigorous safer recruitment practices, including appropriate vetting and checks on all staff, governors and volunteers, in accordance with statutory requirements. Any concerns or allegations regarding the conduct of adults working in the school are taken seriously and managed in line with statutory guidance and local authority procedures.

We place great importance on listening to children. Pupils are encouraged to share their views and are taught how to keep themselves safe, including how and where to seek help if they are worried. Safeguarding is embedded across the curriculum, including through PSHE and Relationships and Health Education, supporting children’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

The school is committed to promoting online safety and protecting children from the risks associated with digital technologies, including social media, gaming and online content. Online safety education is an integral part of our curriculum and wider safeguarding approach.

We work in partnership with a range of external agencies and actively support the Prevent Duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. We are also part of West Sussex Operation Encompass, enabling us to provide timely support for children who may be affected by domestic abuse.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are Mrs Sydney Bridges and Mr Edgington. The wider safeguarding team includes Mrs Courquin, Mrs McGoohan and Mrs Wojcik. The Governor with responsibility for safeguarding is Mr Tim Boon.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised by parents, carers, staff, volunteers or members of the wider community. Concerns can be reported to the West Sussex Multi-Agency Integrated Front Door (MASH) on 01403 229900, out of hours on 0330 222 6664, or via email at WSChildrenServices@westsussex.gov.uk.

We are committed to maintaining a strong safeguarding culture and continually reviewing our practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child at St Richard’s Catholic Primary School.

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Please find our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy on our Policies Page here