St Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School

Our Safeguarding Team

Safeguarding at St Michael’s

At St Michael Catholic Primary and Nursery School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in our Catholic belief in the dignity of every person, we are committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, listened to and protected.

Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. We work closely with parents, carers, governors and external agencies to support children’s wellbeing and respond to concerns with care. We want every child to know that their voice matters and that help is always available.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to:

• Creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow and flourish.

• Ensuring staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities, recognise concerns and act promptly to protect children.

• Following current statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children and local safeguarding procedures.

• Listening to children and taking their concerns seriously, helping them feel confident to speak to a trusted adult.

• Teaching children how to keep themselves safe, including online, through age-appropriate learning.

• Recognising individual needs and barriers to communication, so that every child has a way to express worries and access support.

• Working in partnership with families and professionals to identify needs early and provide appropriate help.

If you are worried about a child, please contact the school office and ask to speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. You do not need to be certain that something is wrong to share a concern.

 Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

Safeguarding Governor: Mr Patrick Harrison

All staff receive regular safeguarding and child protection training, and governors are kept informed about safeguarding responsibilities and updates.

What To Do if You Have a Concern

If you have any safeguarding concern about a child, please contact our Safeguarding Team immediately through the school office.

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact Emergency Services (999) or Medway’s Children’s Services directly.

Policies and Useful Links

Below you can find key safeguarding documents:

Statutory information and Policies (Our Key Information menu tab)

All safeguarding policies are reviewed regularly and updated in line with national and local guidance.

Keeping Children Safe Online

The internet offers wonderful opportunities to learn, create and connect. At St Michael’s, we teach children how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, and how to seek help if something worries them.

Supporting your child at home

• Talk regularly about the games, apps and websites your child enjoys, and explore them together.

• Check age ratings, privacy settings and parental controls on devices and apps.

• Agree family routines for screen time, including time away from devices.

• Remind children to protect personal information and that people online may not be who they say they are.

• Help children understand how to block and report inappropriate contact or content.

• Reassure your child that they can always tell you about something upsetting online without fear of blame.

Useful support for parents and carers

• CEOP Education – advice, videos and activities to help families keep children safer online.

• UK Safer Internet Centre – guidance on safe and responsible internet use.

• NSPCC Online Safety – practical advice on parental controls, gaming, social media and supporting children with SEND.

If you have a concern

Please contact the school office and ask to speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) if you are worried about your child’s online experiences.

Concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming can also be reported directly through the CEOP Safety Centre. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

We Are a Telling School

Children are encouraged to speak out if something worries them. We want every child to know:

“If something doesn’t feel right… tell someone you trust.”

We work hard to create an environment where pupils feel confident, supported, and empowered to share concerns.

Working Together

Safeguarding is strongest when we work together. At St Michael’s, we value the partnership between home, school, parish and the wider community in creating a safe, caring environment where every child can flourish.

We encourage parents and carers to share any concerns, however small, and to let us know about changes that may affect their child’s wellbeing. By listening, communicating openly and offering support early, we can help ensure children receive the care they need.

Thank you for your continued trust and support in keeping our children safe, valued and protected.