Safeguarding

The Priory School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all our children in school and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We believe that students have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment, which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse, where staff are vigilant for signs of any student in distress and are confident about applying the processes to avert and alleviate any such problems. Our philosophy is ‘it could happen here’ and we therefore respond to all safeguarding concerns with an open mind. We have a Child Protection policy which defines the procedures in place. Regular quality assurance ensures that we follow our procedures correctly. All our staff have Level 1 Child Protection training and all staff are appointed in line with safer recruitment protocols. The school uses CPOMS to record all child protection records.

All staff (including supply staff, volunteers and Governors) must ensure that they are aware of these procedures.

Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe from harm – safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment – and that we all feel safe in our environment.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a student’s welfare.  Where possible, we will ensure that concerns about our students are discussed with their parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the student’s welfare.

If your child is ever concerned about safety or well-being or about a friend, they should talk to one of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

Our designated staff for Safeguarding are Mrs Nearney (Lead DSL), Mrs Brazier, Mr Foster, Mrs Laycock, Mrs Cochrane, Miss Malik, Mr Freeland, Miss Follano and Mrs Shipp.

You can contact these staff members on the main school number: 01462 622300. Alternatively email Mrs Nearney on pastoral@priory.herts.sch.uk.  Please state that you are contacting the school about a safeguarding matter.

Policies

Online Safety

To read our Child Protection policy, Safeguarding summary for parents/carers and Acceptable Use Agreement please follow this link to our Policies webpage: Our School Policies

Useful websites

NSPCC – For general concerns

educate.against.hate – for information about Prevent and Radicalisation

Winston’s Wish – for supporting students through bereavement 

Barnardos – for supporting students with a range of concerns including alcohol misuse, substance abuse, sexting

Child Mental Health 10 Top Tips Parents