'Safeguarding is Everyone's Responsibility'
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Alison McNamara. Should you need to contact her over a safeguarding concern her email address is: safeguarding@stgeorgestaunton.uk
Safeguarding Statement
St George's Catholic School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of our pupils and expects all adults working in school, staff and volunteers, to share this commitment.
Sometimes we may need to share information and work with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We ensure that concerns are discussed with parents/carers first unless there is reason to believe that this would be contrary to a child’s welfare.
The child’s welfare is of paramount importance. We maintain an ethos where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, are listened to and are safe. Children at our school will be able to talk freely to any member of staff if they are worried or concerned about something.
Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children. We recognise that staff at our school play a particularly important role as they are in a position to identify concerns early and provide help for children to prevent concerns from escalating. All staff are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned.
At all times we will work in partnership and endeavour to establish effective working relationships with parents, carers and colleagues from other agencies in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).
As a school, we recognise that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with trusted adults helps all children, and especially those at risk of, or suffering from, abuse. Looked After Children, those with SEN and/or disabilities and other vulnerable young people require additional safeguarding and support to overcome the additional barriers that exist to recognise signs of abuse.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs McNamara (Assistant Headteacher).
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) are Mrs McDonnell (Headteacher) and Mrs Carpenter (Assistant Headteacher).
If you have a concern about a child, you may consult the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead or deputy who will be able to look into the matter and decide if action is required to ensure the child's safety and well being.
They can be contacted by Email: safeguarding@stgeorgestaunton.uk or by phone: 01823 284130
If you believe a child may be at immediate risk of harm, you may make a referral to Somerset Children's Social Care on 0300 123 2224.
Statutory guidance from the Department of Education set out what schools must do to comply with the law.
Our Safeguarding policy has been written in response to the current version of Keeping Children Safe in Education. Our policy is reviewed annually. However we are continually reviewing our procedures in light of any new guidance and local issues that arise.
If you are worried about a child or young person who could be in danger please contact Children’s Social Care by phoning 0300 123 2224 or emailing them at childrens@somerset.gov.uk. Otherwise, contact the police.
You can contact the police directly by dialling 101 and they will discuss with Children’s Social Care what action should be taken.
If you would like to speak to a social worker outside of office hours please phone the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 123 23 27. Calls will always be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
If your concern is about the Headteacher, please contact Helen MacConnell, the Chair of Governors by email: h.macconnell@stgeorgestaunton.uk
