Child Protection / Safeguarding
At St Joseph’s, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment for all children, staff and visitors. We work hard to create a culture where children and adults feel confident to speak up about any worries they may have about their own safety or the wellbeing of others.
Our aim is to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child by:
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Protecting children from harm
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Preventing impairment of health or development
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Ensuring safe and effective care
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Taking timely action to secure the best outcomes
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work in partnership with families and external agencies to keep children safe.
Our Child Protection Policy
Our Child Protection policy is fully aligned with current legislation and statutory guidance, including:
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The Children Acts 1989 and 2004
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The Children and Families Act 2014
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Section 175 of the Education Act 2002
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Working Together to Safeguard Children
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The DfE’s statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education
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Local procedures from the Lancashire Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP)
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DfE advice: What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused and Information Sharing – Advice for Practitioners
Our policy applies to all on‑site and off‑site activities where pupils are under the care of the school.
If We Have a Concern
If we are concerned about the welfare of a child—whether through a disclosure, observations in school, or information shared with us—we will make a referral to Children’s Social Care.
Wherever appropriate, we will speak with parents or carers before doing so. However, if sharing concerns with families could place a child at further risk, we may make a referral without prior notification. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of the child.
ENCOMPASS – Supporting Children Affected by Domestic Abuse
St Joseph’s takes part in Operation Encompass, a partnership between schools and Lancashire Police.
When the police attend an incident of domestic abuse where a child is present or linked to the household, the school receives a confidential notification before the next school day. This allows us to:
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Understand that a child may have experienced something frightening or distressing
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Offer immediate emotional support and care
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Ensure staff are aware of any additional needs that day
The more information we have, the better we can support children sensitively and appropriately.