Safeguarding

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr Peter Heery

Deputy DSLs: Mr David Delaney, Mrs Jane Selby, Miss Lorna Douglas

 

Christ the King Catholic Primary School ensures children learn in a safe, caring, and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.

The school also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health, and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate child protection concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances, the school will be able to inform the parents/carers of its need to make a referral.

However, sometimes the school can in certain circumstances share information without the consent of the family and maybe be advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter or make enquires. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the child.

The school will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child and family.

What to do if you are worried about a child:

If you are worried about a child you should contact Liverpool’s Careline Children’s Service: 0151 233 3700. Phone lines are open 24/7.

Who has the responsibility to protect children?

We all do. Whether we are:

  • Family.
  • Friends.
  • Neighbours.
  • Members of the public.
  • People who work with children – like teachers, health professionals and youth workers.
What is child abuse?

There are different types of abuse. It can include:

Physical injury – such as hitting, shaking, punching and kicking.

Neglect – not being properly fed, clothed or medical needs not being met.

Emotional abuse – when a child is starved of love and affection, or is constantly criticised humiliated or bullied.

Sexual abuse – including inappropriate sexual behaviour, language or assault.

Careline Children's Service:

Helps with all issues relating to children and families, responds to enquiries and referrals from the public and professionals and can offer advice about all aspects of child welfare.

Any concerns about a child referred by a member of the public will be carefully assessed.

Contact Careline children’s service if you feel that:

  • A child needs protection. If you feel that a child is suffering harm, neglect or abuse, we can investigate and act to protect the child.
  • A family is under stress. We can offer support and advice and help families access support from other services.
  • A child is seriously ill or disabled. We can arrange an assessment of the child’s and family’s needs and provide support.
  • You want to find out more about fostering and adoption. We can provide information directly, or put you in touch with experienced fostering and adoption social workers who can offer you advice

Children and Young People:

If you are a young person and need help or advice contact Careline on
0151 233 3700 (24/7)

School Health Information
Operation Encompass Information

In conjunction with Merseyside Police, Christ the King is involved in an initiative called Operation Encompass.
The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been
involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic abuse incident. Following such an incident, children can arrive at
school distressed, upset, worried and unprepared. Operation Encompass aims to ensure that appropriate
school staff (called Key Adults) are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way
that means they feel safe and included.
At Christ the King, our Key Adults are Peter Heery, David Delaney, Lorna Douglas, Jane Selby
This is a valuable initiative that means we can continue to support and help children and families within our
school community when they need it the most.
You can find our more by visiting www.operationencompass.org or by contacting our Mr Heery or Mr Delaney.”

Our school is committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare and expects all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment. Everyone has a responsibility to act, without delay, to protect children by reporting anything that might suggest a child is being abused or neglected. It is our willingness to work safely and challenge inappropriate behaviours that underpins this commitment. The school seeks to work in partnership with families and other agencies to improve the outcomes for children who are vulnerable or in need.

‘Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.’ 

Safeguarding Team