At St Louis 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 St Louis, we recognise that we all have a key role in ensuring the safety of the children in our care. Our DSL is Mrs Helen Biles-Wood and our DDSL is Mrs Rosie Lihou.
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.
Key safeguarding policies and procedures can be found on our policies and procedures page. More information and guidance are also available on the Somerset Safeguarding Children’s Board website.
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 Somerset Local Authority if we have any concerns about the actions of an adult in a position of trust.
