Saint Edmund's Catholic Primary School

At Saint Edmund's Catholic Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that our children learn in a safe, nurturing, and secure environment. Safeguarding the children in our care is of paramount importance to us. Our safeguarding and child protection policy outlines how we do this.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is responsible for promoting a safe environment for children and young people. They are the first point of contact for all staff and volunteers to go to for advice if they have a concern about a child’s welfare. The DSL and deputy DSLs (DDSL) all have a higher level of safeguarding training and knowledge than the rest of the staff, which is updated biannually.

Keeping children safe is everybody’s responsibility, and at Saint Edmund's, we recognise that we all have a key role in ensuring the safety of the children in our care. Our DSL is Mrs Louise Tavener and our DDSLs are Mrs Helen Biles-Wood and Mr Neil Towers. 

Staff training 

All staff and volunteers are trained regularly to ensure they are fully aware of school expectations and key policies and procedures as well as national statutory requirements. School leaders ensure that stringent, safer recruitment practices are adhered to when recruiting new staff.

Policies 

Key safeguarding policies and procedures can be found on our policies page. More information and guidance are also available on the Wiltshire Safeguarding Vulnerable People Partnership (SVPP) - Home page. 

Reporting Concerns

We will endeavour to share any concerns we may have with parents regarding the welfare of their child, as appropriate. We have a duty to refer to social care if we suspect a child is suffering from or may be at risk of significant harm. If we make a referral to social care, we will inform the parents concerned, unless to do so could place the child at increased risk of significant harm. Our first concern will always be the welfare of the child.

We will advise the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) at Wiltshire Local Authority if we have any concerns about the actions of an adult in a position of trust.