Safeguarding Information
At St Anne's and St Joseph's,safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child can learn and thrive.
We follow statutory guidance and work in partnership with families, local authorities, and other agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand their responsibility to protect children from harm.
If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being, please contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (listed below)
For more information, please see our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (below)
Training
All staff have annual level 1 and 2 training from one of our designated senior leads or an outside agency. This training is for ALL staff in school on safeguarding and child protection compiled using resources from the school safeguarding team, LSCB website, NSPCC and others. It covers all requirements for level 1 and 2 safeguarding training.
Our school's Designated Safeguarding Leads
Ms R McKenna - Main DSL and Pupil and Family Support Worker
Mr Robinson - Head of School and Back-Up DSL
Miss Kidd - Assistant Headteacher and Back-Up DSL
Mrs C McManus - Associate Headteacher and Back-Up DSL
Operation Encompass
Our school participates in Operation Encompass, a national initiative that supports children who may have been exposed to domestic abuse or other significant incidents that could have an adverse impact on their wellbeing, behaviour, attendance or ability to learn.
When a notification is received from the police, it is sent directly to the school's trained Key Adult(s), normally the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and, where appropriate, the Deputy DSL. Notifications are treated as confidential safeguarding information and are only shared with staff on a strict need-to-know basis where this is necessary to support the child.
All Operation Encompass notifications are recorded on the school's safeguarding recording system and stored securely in accordance with safeguarding, information-sharing and data protection requirements. Records will include the date the notification was received, the action taken, any support offered, and any subsequent monitoring or concerns.
Following receipt of a notification, the DSL will consider what support may be required for the child. Support will be proportionate, sensitive and based on the individual needs of the child. This may include increased pastoral support, a check-in from a trusted adult, flexibility around expectations, access to wellbeing support, or closer monitoring of the child's presentation during the school day.
Staff recognise that Operation Encompass notifications are provided to enable appropriate support and not to prompt an investigation by the school. Children will not be routinely questioned about the incident, nor will they be expected to disclose information. Any conversations with the child will be led by their needs, wishes and presentation, and only where this is necessary to safeguard and support them. The school will seek to provide a safe, reassuring and nurturing environment while respecting the child's privacy and dignity.
The DSL will review any ongoing safeguarding needs and, where necessary, work with other agencies and the family to ensure appropriate support is in place.
Curriculum
At SASJ we take a proactive approach to keeping pupils safe by embedding e-safety, character development, and safeguarding education throughout the curriculum and wider school life. Pupils are taught how to stay safe online, including how to protect personal information, recognise inappropriate content, and report any concerns to a trusted adult. Through PSHE, assemblies, and regular discussions, children learn about positive relationships, respect, kindness, inclusion, and making responsible choices that reflect the school's values and culture. The school also educates pupils about child-on-child abuse, including bullying, prejudice-based behaviour, and inappropriate conduct, helping them understand the importance of consent, boundaries, and treating others with dignity and respect. Safeguarding themes are reinforced through age-appropriate lessons, pastoral support, and clear reporting systems, ensuring that pupils know how to recognise risks, seek help, and contribute to a safe, caring, and respectful school community.
Whistleblowing
We are committed to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability. We encourage all members of our school community—including staff, parents, and volunteers—to raise any concerns about wrongdoing, unsafe practices, or breaches of policy.
Our Whistleblowing Policy ensures that concerns are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled confidentially. Individuals who raise concerns in good faith will be protected from any form of detriment.
If you have a concern, you can:
- Contact the Associate Headteacher: Mrs Claire McManus
- Speak to the Chair of Governors: Mrs Rebecca Nighingale
- Refer to our Whistleblowing Policy: Whistleblowing Policy
For serious concerns that cannot be addressed within the school, you may contact the Local Authority or the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline at 0800 028 0285.
