Safeguarding
If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact a member of our Safeguarding Team in person or via the school office: 01785 413275
Our commitment to Safeguarding/Child Protection
At St. Austin’s School we are committed to ‘Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare’ of all our pupils. Each pupil’s welfare is of paramount importance. Parents should be aware that the school is required to take reasonable action to ensure the safety of all our pupils. In cases where school has reason to be concerned about a child possibly being ill-treated or neglected then the Head teacher is obliged to follow Staffordshire Child Protection procedures and contact Social Services.
All concerns are recorded and handed to a Designated Senior Lead (DSL).
Designated Safeguarding Lead - Principal - Mrs C Rowley
Deputy DSL - Mrs R Woolley
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you have any concerns please raise them with the Designated Safeguarding Lead. If he is not available speak to one of the Deputy Safeguarding Leads.
If they are not available, any member of staff can respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
Any immediate concerns regarding a child's life should be reported to the police on 999.
For additional information please click on the link below for a guide to multi-agency working to help, protect and promote the welfare of children:
As a team we decide how to deal with concerns about children's safety. This would usually involve speaking to parents or people from other agencies, such as health or social care.
If we feel a child is at risk of harm we would usually discuss this with parents. We then have a duty of care to report our concerns to the assessment team at social care.
Reporting a Concern
We all have a duty to protect children and young people from harm. If you have any concerns about a child or young person it is always best to share them.
If you think a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
Staffordshire Police:
Telephone: 101 and ask for M.A.S.H. (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub)
Outside of MASH hours, report to the Area Communications Room
In an emergency always call 999
If a child is not in immediate danger but at risk of harm,
contact Staffordshire County Council's First Response Service.
Staffordshire County Council's SFIFD
As from 1st April 2025, the Front Door and MASH has changed to Staffordshire Families Integrated Front Door (SFIFD). Staffordshire Families Integrated Front Door remains the point of contact for enquiries and referrals relating to children and young people made by professionals, families and the public.
https://www.staffsscp.org.uk/staffordshire-safeguarding-integrated-front-door/
0300 111 8007
8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
8.30am- 4.30pm Friday
or
Emergency Duty Service (out of hours) Tel No. 0345 604 2886
Or email: eds.team.manager@staffordshire.gov.uk
Non-emergency – call Staffordshire Police on 101
What will happen next?
Social workers will follow up every report where they believe a child may be at risk of harm. They will talk to other people who know the child and may be able to provide a clearer picture. This includes teachers, health visitors and members of the child's family.
After this several things could happen:
- No further action will be taken
- Help and support will be offered to the family
- An investigation will take place
Who else can help?
The NSPCC is a registered charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK. On their website you can find advice on how you can keep children safe, where to go for help, and the latest news stories relating to child safety.
Online Safety
The internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? Take a look at our online safety page or below are links to further information regarding E-Safety that can help you stay safe online:
Social Media - Information for parents
Food Banks in Stafford
- Rising Brook Community Church – 01785 214750
- House of Bread – 01785 243492
- Café 43 @ House of Bread – 01785 243492