"Safeguarding is everybody's responsibility. At Saint Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, the health, safety, and welfare of every child are of paramount importance."

Our Commitment

We are fully committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment where children can learn, thrive, and feel valued. This statement applies to all staff, governors, volunteers, contractors, and visitors working in or on behalf of our school.

We adhere strictly to statutory guidance, including the Department for Education’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) framework, to shape our robust policies and everyday practices.

Key Principles & Practice

• Listening to Pupils: We actively listen to our pupils and take seriously anything they tell us. Children are taught who they can talk to if they have worries or feel unsafe.

• Staff Training & Vigilance: All staff receive regular, up-to-date safeguarding and child protection training. They are trained to identify signs of abuse, neglect, or emotional and physical harm, and must report concerns immediately.

• Safer Recruitment: We follow rigorous safer recruitment procedures, ensuring all necessary vetting and background checks (including DBS checks) are completed for staff and regular volunteers.

• Working with Agencies: When we have concerns about a child's welfare, we will work openly and cooperatively with external multi-agency services (such as local children's social care), consulting parents and carers first where appropriate and safe to do so.

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Our Safeguarding Team

If you have any concerns or questions regarding the safety or welfare of a child at our school, please contact a member of our safeguarding team:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Jennie Courtney (Headteacher) 01249 713125

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead(s): Charlotte Minty (Deputy Headteacher) and Charlotte Sykes (SENDCo) 01249 713125

• Safeguarding Governor: Charlotte Gilbert

• Safeguarding Email: safeguarding@st-patricks.wilts.sch.uk

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please contact the police immediately on 999 or your local council's children's services team.