Safeguarding Statement
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Nympsfield everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them. We are committed to provide a secure and supportive environment in which children can develop and grow into mature and responsible people. Safeguarding children is an essential part of our holistic approach to ensure that children are protected from abuse and neglect and that every child can REACH their full potential.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Clare Howells
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Natalie Guoite
Safeguarding Governor: Mrs Nicola Connolly
'Operation Encompass is a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse.
Operation Encompass ensures that there is a simple telephone call or notification to a school’s trained Designated Safeguarding Lead /Officer (known as key Adult) prior to the start of the next school day after an incident of police attended domestic abuse where there are children related to either of the adult parties involved.
Information is shared with a school’s Key Adult (Designated Safeguarding Lead or Officer) prior to the start of the next school day after officers have attended a domestic abuse incident. This sharing of information enables appropriate support to be given, dependent upon the needs and wishes of the child.
Children are negatively impacted by experiencing domestic abuse and without early intervention and support this negative impact can last through a child’s life course. Domestic abuse can impact upon social, psychological, physical, emotional and behavioural outcomes with an often negative impact upon a child’s academic success. Experiencing domestic abuse has been identified as an Adverse Childhood Experience.
Operation Encompass aims, by directly connecting police and schools, to secure better outcomes for children , to enable schools to better understand the impact living with domestic abuse has upon children, to help schools to better understand a child’s lived experience and to therefore be able to support and nurture each child , making a child’s day better and giving them a better tomorrow.
Our aim is to have Operation Encompass in every force, in every school, for every child no matter where they live. It is simply every child’s right.'
Safeguarding Procedures and Cause for Concern
Our first priority is a child’s welfare and as such, we recognise the need to provide a safe environment and to take reasonable action to ensure the safety of all our children. The school, through its curriculum, promotes safeguarding by teaching how to children can stay safe, how to protect themselves and how to take responsibility for their own and others’ safety.
However, there may be occasions when we have reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill-treatment or other forms of abuse and are therefore at risk of harm. We will always discuss these concerns with his/her parents or carers first, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare. In these cases, school is obliged to follow the Child Protection procedures detailed our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
If you are concerned about a child’s safety or well-being, or would like to know more about Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Howells by phoning 01453 860311 or by emailing the Senior Leadership Team: slt@st-josephs.gloucs.sch.uk .
Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies. If you are worried someone close to you is becoming radicalised act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker the person you care about can be protected from being groomed and exploited by extremists.
Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work with professionals in health, education, local authorities and charities, as well as faith and community groups to help vulnerable people move away from extremism. They are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.
Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and share your concerns in confidence. They can help if you act early. You won't be wasting police time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
To find out more about how to help someone close to you please visit the link below: