Safeguarding at St. Monica's Catholic Primary School

At St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is at the heart of our Christ-centred community. We are committed to providing a caring and vigilant environment in which every child feels safe, valued and listened to, and knows which trusted adults they can speak to if they are worried.

All staff, governors, volunteers, contractors and visitors share this responsibility. Everyone must act without delay if they have a concern about a child, even if they are unsure or the concern appears small. No one should assume that somebody else will report it. We maintain the professional attitude that safeguarding concerns could happen here, and the best interests of the child guide every decision we make.

We listen carefully to our children and take what they tell us seriously. Staff are trained to recognise and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation, whether concerns arise inside or outside the home, in school or online. We work closely with parents, carers and other agencies whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so. However, the safety and welfare of the child must always come first.

How we monitor and respond to concerns

Our safeguarding team meets every school day to review new information, assess concerns and ensure that agreed actions have been completed. This enables the team to consider relevant safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing information together, identify emerging patterns and determine what support or intervention may be needed.

This may include support within school, working with the family, requesting Family Help or making a referral to children’s social care or another appropriate agency. Concerns are kept under review so that support can be adjusted if a child’s circumstances change or do not improve.