Prevention

All staff will endeavour to ensure that all children using the setting do so safely and appropriately, and are treated with respect and understanding. St Joseph’s Catholic Middle School will organise its routines and activities for children with a preventative, safeguarding purpose in mind.

• All staff will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
• It is important to note that a person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups.
• An organisation, which knowingly employs someone who is barred to work with those groups, will also be breaking the law.
• Our schools works with children and if we dismiss a member of staff or volunteer because they have harmed a child or we would have done so if they had not left we must tell the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Protect

• St Joseph’s Catholic Middle School will take all reasonable steps to safeguard and protect the rights, health and well-being of all children who are in our care.
• Both of our schools have a Child Protection Policy.

Support

• Child Protection training is mandatory for all staff and will be part of their induction programme.
• The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is Mr. Gavin. R. Simpson (Executive Assistant Headteacher) who will ensure that the staffs’ knowledge, understanding and practice of safeguarding children is current and up to date at all times. Where gaps are identified support and training will be mandatory.
• We recognise that child protection issues can be emotive and the designated safeguarding lead will offer support to any member of staff affected by this policy, whether directly or indirectly.
• Our schools fully recognise their responsibilities for child protection. We intend to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which any suspicion of abuse is promptly and appropriately responded to.