School policies cover every aspect of school life. Below are some of our most important policies for your reference. If you want to know our policy on something that is not listed, please ask the school office.

Safeguarding and Child Protection at St Mary's CE Primary School

Information for Parents and Carers

At St Mary's CE Primary School, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and supportive environment where children can learn, develop and thrive.

Safeguarding means protecting children from harm, preventing abuse, promoting their welfare and ensuring they receive the support they need as early as possible. Our safeguarding procedures follow national guidance and local Trafford safeguarding arrangements.

Our Safeguarding Team

If you have any concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Alison Daniel (Headteacher)

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads

• Claire Looker
• Gemma Allen
• Sophie Lee Manford

Telephone: 0161 7570222

How We Keep Children Safe

We help keep children safe by:

• Creating a caring, inclusive and respectful school environment.
• Teaching children how to stay safe, both in person and online.
• Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
• Encouraging children to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried.
• Working closely with parents, carers and external agencies when support is needed.
• Ensuring all staff receive regular safeguarding training.

What Staff Do

All school staff are trained to recognise signs that a child may be at risk of harm. If staff are concerned about a child's safety, welfare or wellbeing, they have a duty to report this concern to the safeguarding team.

Concerns might relate to:

• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying, including online bullying
• Domestic abuse
• Mental health concerns
• Child exploitation
• Online safety issues
• Radicalisation or extremism
• Any situation where a child may be at risk of harm

Working with Families

We believe that working in partnership with parents and carers is the best way to support children.

Where appropriate, we will discuss concerns with parents and carers and work together to find solutions. However, there may be occasions when we need to share information with children's social care, the police or other agencies without parental consent if we believe a child may be at risk of harm. The safety of the child must always come first.

Online Safety

Technology is an important part of children's lives, and we take online safety seriously.

Children are taught how to:

• Use the internet safely
• Protect personal information
• Recognise unsafe online behaviour
• Report worries or concerns
• Use social media and technology responsibly

We also use filtering and monitoring systems on school devices and networks to help protect pupils from harmful online content.

Supporting Children's Wellbeing

We recognise that children can sometimes experience emotional or mental health difficulties. At St Mary's, support may include:

• Pastoral care and trusted adults.
• Emotional literacy support.
• Place2Be therapeutic support.
• Referrals to specialist services when needed.

Children with Additional Needs

Some children may be more vulnerable and need additional support, including:

• Children with SEND.
• Young carers.
• Looked-after children.
• Children with a social worker.
• Children experiencing family difficulties or challenging circumstances.

Helping Children Speak Out

We encourage all children to share worries, concerns or problems with a trusted adult. We work hard to create an environment where children feel safe, listened to and valued.

Every concern raised by a child is taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.

If You Have a Concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, please contact the school immediately and speak to a member of the safeguarding team.

Together, we can help ensure that every child at St Mary's is safe, happy and able to achieve their full potential.

Full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Our full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available to download below.