At St Bernadette's, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils and recognise that we act to keep children safe and protect them from harm in all aspects of school life.

Our safeguarding responsibilities include the actions we take to prevent harm, promote wellbeing, create a safe environment and ensure all children thrive and have a secure understanding of their rights and responsibilities and treat others with respect.

We recognise that safeguarding our children is the responsibility of every adult in the school. Through our curriculum, we teach children how to keep themselves self both in and outside of school and support them to understand behaviours that might compromise their safety and well-being.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead's role is to ensure all children are safe from harm and that the school carries out its statutory safeguarding responsibilities. If a parent has any concern they should come and talk to Mr Lynch in the first instance.
 
In the absence of Mr Lynch, all safeguarding concerns should be reported to Mrs Dix or one of the other DDSLs via the school office.  In an emergency the Police or Children's Services can be contacted directly by any concerned person.

We work with a number of agencies including Children’s Services, the School Nurse, the Police (particularly the Safer Schools Community Team) and the Local Safeguarding Board, and designated staff attend regular training and receive regular updates.  All employees, governors and regular volunteers undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check. 

Prevent Duty

As part of our safeguarding arrangements, we have due regard to the Prevent duty for Schools. Within our strong provision for social, moral, spiritual and cultural development, including British values, we encourage children to respect others and contribute to wider society. In this safeguarding context we promote their welfare and prevent radicalisation and extremism.