At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, safeguarding is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, caring and nurturing environment where every child is protected, valued and able to thrive. All staff, governors and volunteers share responsibility for safeguarding and understand that keeping children safe is everyone’s duty. 

Our Commitment to Safeguarding 

We follow national guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and work closely with our local multi‑agency safeguarding arrangements, established by the three safeguarding partners: 

  • The Local Authority 

  • The Integrated Care Board (ICB) 

  • Northumbria Police 

These partners set out the local procedures that all schools must follow to protect children and respond to concerns effectively. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2 

 

Child Protection Policy 

We have a comprehensive Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy that outlines: 

  • The procedures staff must follow to keep children safe 

  • How concerns about a child’s welfare should be reported 

  • The role of designated safeguarding leads 

  • How we work with external agencies and support families 

  • Our approach to safer recruitment, online safety and staff training 

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if national or local guidance changes. 
It is available publicly on our website so parents and carers can understand how we keep children safe. 

Our Safeguarding Policy

  

Designated Safeguarding Leads 

Our safeguarding team ensures that concerns are responded to quickly, professionally and in line with local and national procedures. 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):  Mrs A Toward 

Deputy DSLs: Mr N Conway; Miss L Forbister; Mrs L Forbister; Mrs S. Stennett 

Safeguarding Governor: Mrs C Emmerson  

 

A Whole‑School Approach to Safety 

We protect children through: 

  • Regular staff training and updates 

  • Strong relationships with pupils and families 

  • Clear behaviour expectations and pastoral support 

  • Teaching children how to stay safe, including online safety 

  • Careful recruitment and vetting of all staff and volunteers 

  • Close partnership with external agencies and professionals 

Safeguarding is built into our daily practice, curriculum and culture so that children feel safe, listened to and supported at all times. 

 

If You Have a Concern 

  • We encourage parents, carers or members of the community to contact us if they have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. 

Parent Info  

ThinkUKnow 

https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/ 

ChildLine 

https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/videos/ 

Internet Safety 

https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/11_18/https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/8_10/https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/8_10/https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/8_10/ 

Anti Bullying 

https://www.familylives.org.uk/ 

NSPCC 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/