Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy can be found on our Policies page linked below:

We are committed in our responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of the children entrusted into our care, by establishing a safe environment in which children can learn, develop and flourish. We fully understand that prompting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility and have clear systems in place to ensure our procedures are highly effective. All policies and procedures in reference to Child Protection are formally reviewed each year.

Designated Safeguarding Leads:

Designated Safeguarding Leads provide support to staff members to carry out their safeguarding duties and liaise with other services as and when necessary. We invest in Clennell Education Solutions which provides support and advice to school about behaviour and safety.Every member of staff, volunteer and regular visitor works in a way that will safeguard and promote the welfare of all of the pupils at this school. This includes the responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn.

All staff members have annual safeguarding and child protection training and are aware of the referral process they should follow if they have a concern about a child’s welfare.  We have a thorough Safeguarding Induction for all new staff and volunteers.  

We are aware of our responsibilities to closely monitor the progress, achievement and emotional well-being of our Looked After Children.  We also have clear policies and procedures for children missing or at risk of becoming missing from education.

Operation Encompass

Who we are...

Operation Encompass is a charitable organisation set up in 2011, which has since enabled effective interventions to many thousands of children who've experienced domestic abuse. Our volunteers, trustees, and patrons are working tirelessly to ensure that police and schools throughout the country are able to address victims of domestic abuse consistently and coherently.

What we deliver...

 Operation Encompass directly connects the police with schools to secure better outcomes for children who are subject to or experience police-attended incidents of domestic abuse. Rapid provision of support within the school environment means children are better safeguarded against the short-, medium- and long-term effects of domestic abuse.

What we do...

Operation Encompass provides an efficient, confidential channel of communication between police forces and Key Adults within schools. This enables the immediate and discrete recognition of the child's situation by the Key Adult, ensuring a secure and sympathetic environment is provided and the broader effects of abuse are addressed.

Behaviour

Visitors to our school frequently complement us on the good manners and behaviour of our children. We work hard to maintain this ethos. We promote positive attitudes, self-discipline, independence and a sense of responsibility in all that we say and all that we do.   We encourage and praise qualities such as being caring, courteous and respectful at all times.

Our outstanding approach to behaviour is achieved through a consistent and incremental approach to rewards and consequences. We give high priority to clear communication within the school and to a positive partnership with parents/carers, since these are crucial in promoting and maintaining high standards of behaviour.

Online Safety

Learning how to be safe online is an integral part of education in today's digital world. The internet is so important for children- they use it to play, learn and socialise. It is a place of fantastic opportunities; however the technology children use can cause worry regarding the potential risks they may face.  

At St Michael's we want to help our parents and children improve their own understanding of issues that may arise online. We want everyone to learn to use the internet and all digital media in a safe and secure way. We expect children to actively learn the responsible use of the internet through our ongoing work on being safe online through age-appropriate understanding of the potential risks.  Our outstanding approach to behaviour is achieved through a consistent and incremental approach to rewards and consequences. We give high priority to clear communication within the school and to a positive partnership with parents/carers, since these are crucial in promoting and maintaining high standards of behaviour.

This year the children have been introduced to SMART, to help keep themselves safe online:

• S - SAFE: Don't give out your own information.  
• M - MEET: Don't meet up with people you have met online.
• A - ACCEPTING: Only open messages from people you trust.
• R - RELIABLE: Only talk to real world friends and family when online.
• T - TELL: Tell a trusted adult if something you see online makes you feel uncomfortable.  

You can help support your child at home by being aware of risks that may occur. Talking to your child about how they use the internet can also be beneficial. If you need more information, you may find these links helpful, or talk to your child's teacher.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

As a healthy school we promote the health and well-being of all our pupils in school. We fully understand the role we have to help children to succeed and support them to be resilient and mentally healthy. We are aware that children can experience a range of events both happy and sad throughout their time at school. Staff at school are sensitive and skilled at working with children who may have experienced loss or separation, life changes such as moving house, a birth of a sibling and events of a traumatic nature.  

At St Michael’s we have a range of support that children and families can access. We aim to work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure we provide timely interventions to meet mental health needs.

If you have a concern please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance.   Alternatively, you might like to read the information about our School Counselling Service below.