Safeguarding
Child Friendly Safeguarding Information
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023
Policies
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 J Harratt and Mrs K Bennett
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. that give more details about our safeguarding procedures.
If you have any questions or concerns about safeguarding please speak to one of the designated senior leads above.
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 please contact the police on 999.
If a child is not in immediate danger, but at risk of harm contact:
Staffordshire Childrens Advice and Support Service (SCAS) on:
0300 111 8007
Opening times
- Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Out of hours
Outside of the hours above, or on weekends and bank holidays, please contact the Emergency Duty Team by phoning 0345 604 2886 ( or Mobile 07815 492613)
What happens when you call SCAS?
Social workers 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
Additional advice when worried about a child
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.
If you're worried about a child or young person, you can contact the NSPCC helpline for support and advice for free - Call NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or access their website.
Keeping children safe online
Children use the internet in many ways, it is a place for them to play, learn, create and connect. 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 the links below for further information regarding online safety that will help you to ensure children stay safe in the digital world: