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Safeguarding, SEND and Wellbeing

At St. Paul's, safeguarding is a shared priority, led by our dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mrs Hilary Henderson, and our Deputy DSLs, Mrs Hayley Green, Mrs Hayley Hilditch and Miss Sheila Birkett.  Our Safeguarding Lead Governor, Rev Father Lewis, also plays an essential role. Together, this team works to ensure that every child’s welfare is prioritised, but safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children is everyone’s responsibility.

Our school recognises the importance of creating an ethos and environment where children feel safe, secure, and respected. We strive to foster a space that encourages children to talk openly, assuring them they will be listened to with care and respect. We understand that children who experience abuse or witness violence may struggle with low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, or a sense of blame. For these children, our school may be a stable, supportive, and predictable place, helping to nurture their self-worth and sense of belonging. Through our commitment to safeguarding, we aim to provide a foundation of safety and trust for every child in our care.

At St. Paul's, safeguarding, SEND support, and well-being are integral to our vision, "Together we Grow, Love to Learn, Shine and Make a Difference." We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every member of our school community feels valued, respected, and protected. Our safeguarding practices are thorough and proactive, with trained staff and clear policies that prioritise the safety and welfare of all children.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), we are committed to ensuring that each child can access an education that celebrates their unique strengths and abilities. Working closely with families and specialists, we tailor support to meet individual needs, enabling every child to thrive and realise their potential within a compassionate community.

Well-being lies at the heart of our ethos, guided by Christian values like compassion, community, and thankfulness. We aim to cultivate a caring, supportive atmosphere that promotes mental and emotional health, equipping our pupils with resilience and confidence. Together, we foster a school culture where everyone is encouraged to grow, learn, and shine, both within school and beyond.

Aligned with our school vision, “Together we Grow, Love to Learn, Shine and Make a Difference” St Paul's is committed to promoting the welfare and safety of all pupils by:

  • Prioritising the well-being and safety of every child as central to our mission;
  • Embedding social and emotional learning within our curriculum, equipping children with the skills to manage their emotions, make positive choices, and build resilience;
  • Integrating child protection topics into our curriculum, enabling children to recognise unsafe situations, understand their rights to safety, and identify trusted adults they can approach for support;
  • Offering comprehensive guidance so children feel supported and have a range of approachable adults to turn to if they encounter challenges;
  • Raising staff awareness of their safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring all team members can recognise and report potential signs of abuse and are well-versed in the school’s safeguarding procedures;
  • Fostering each child’s development in a way that builds security, confidence, and independence.
  • Providing an environment where children feel safe, valued, and respected, and know that they will be listened to if they reach out for help.
  • Ensuring robust site security measures and promoting students’ physical safety;
  • Collaborating closely with parents to build a shared understanding of our commitment to safeguarding, including referrals to external agencies when necessary to ensure every child’s well-being;
  • Establishing a structured safeguarding process that is understood and followed by all members of our school community;
  • Monitoring and supporting children with identified welfare or protection concerns, with securely stored and appropriately shared confidential records;
  • Promoting effective partnerships with external agencies, particularly the Police and Social Care, to provide comprehensive support and
  • Conducting rigorous pre-employment checks to ensure all adults with substantial access to children meet suitability standards, contributing to a secure environment where children can thrive.

Through these commitments, we aim to build a safe and nurturing school community where each child can grow and flourish, reflecting our vision of 'Growing together, to love to learn, Shine and Make a difference.