Safeguarding and Child Protection

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We recognise that all staff, governors and volunteers have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils at our school.

The health, safety and well-being of every child in our care will always be of paramount concern. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a full and active role to play in safeguarding children.

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of children at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, please contact the school and ask to speak with one of the Designated Safeguarding Members of Staff on 01733 566005.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is:
Mrs Anne-Marie McElhinney - Headteacher, PREVENT Lead, Online Safety Lead

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are:
Mrs Rebecca Dickson - Deputy Head, Domestic Abuse Lead

Mrs Lynn Harvey - Safeguarding and Family Engagement Officer (SaFE Officer), Mental Health Lead

Miss Heidi Philby - Senior Phase Leader and Year 5 and 6 Phase Lead

The Designated Governor for Safeguarding is:
Mrs Anne Farmiloe

What is abuse?

Abuse can happen to a child or young person at any age. It can happen in any family, from any ethnic background. It can happen to children and young people whether they have a disability or not.

Abusers can be adults but not just parents, grandparents or carers, abuse often occurs within a relationship of trust e.g. a teacher, carer, family friend or youth leader. Other children and young people can also be abusers

Abuse can happen because of the way adults or other children and young people behave towards a child or young person. It can also result from adults failing to provide proper care for the children they look after. A child or young person can suffer different kinds of abuse at the same time.

According to the law, there are 4 main types of abuse that could cause harm or neglect. These are:

Physical Abuse – When an adult deliberately hurts a child, such as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning or suffocating.
Emotional Abuse – When a child is being unfairly blamed for everything all the time; or told they are stupid and made to feel unhappy.
Sexual Abuse – Where a child is forced to take part in sexual activities; or in taking rude photos.
Neglect – When a child is not being looked after properly; for example, not getting enough to eat, or being left alone in dangerous situations.

Useful information and links:

https://www.safeguardingcambspeterborough.org.uk/children-board/

NSPCC Online Safety Guide for Parents

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/#guides

NSPCC Pants Underwear Rule (shared with pupils from Year 1)

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/