Safeguarding

At St Christopher's we consider safeguarding to be everyone’s responsibility and as such our aim is to create an environment within which every child has the opportunity to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.

Through a broad and balanced curriculum we aim to create an atmosphere in which everyone, regardless of race, creed, gender, culture or ability, is aware of their right to be valued, respected, listened to and believed. We wish all children to know that they do not have to accept the actions of others towards them without question and that they are entitled to share their concerns within or outside the campus community.

A safe learning environment

We understand our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare and well being of children and young people in our care and those who work here. Through our work we aim to ensure a safe learning and working environment for pupils, staff and visitors alike. We take our responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection very seriously. Where there are safeguarding concerns, staff communicate this to the school Designated Safeguarding Leads immediately. Access to our site is closely monitored. All adults who come into contact with our children and young people, including visiting professionals, are appropriately checked. Additionally, all staff and governors are required to complete a Staff Disqualification Declaration.

Our recruitment procedures follow ‘Safer Recruitment’ guidelines. Staff receive regular training and updates on their professional responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection. In addition, we work very closely with other professionals to ensure our children and young people are kept safe.

All visitors must enter the school site via the reception area where they will be asked to sign the Visitor’s Book and issued with a colour coded Visitor’s Badge. Volunteers all undergo the appropriate checks before working in the school.

Working in partnership

There are occasions when our concern about a child means that we have to consult other agencies in order to receive Early Help for a child or family. Unauthorised absences, for instance, may be referred to partner agencies such as Suffolk County Council’s Children’s Social Care, Special Educational Needs or Children Missing in Education teams. Whilst we would always aim to work in partnership with parents there may be exceptions to this when concerns are raised for the protection of a child.

The procedures which we follow have been laid down by the Suffolk Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

How to get in touch

If you have any worries or concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing please contact us and speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs C James
Alternate Safeguarding Lead(s): Miss C Brown, Miss S Dunmore, Miss M Howlett, Mrs A Warren, Mr C Smith
Online Safety Lead: Miss L Hurrell
Prevent Lead: Mrs Caroline James
Safeguarding Governor: Mrs Jade Howlett

One of these Safeguarding Leads is always available to discuss safeguarding concerns.

However, if you feel that a child is in immediate danger you can call the Suffolk Safeguarding team directly at Customer First on: 0808 8004005

Our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies can be found below.