Our Lady's Catholic Primary School is committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted to our care. It is our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect and bullying.

We listen to children and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is that children will always be happy in our school, achieve their full potential and make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Children at our school will be able to talk freely to any member of staff if they are worried or concerned about something. To ensure a safe environment for children is maintained, our selection and recruitment practice is thorough and includes checks on staff and volunteers’ suitability, including Vetting and Barring Checks in accordance with current legislation.

We provide staff with annual safeguarding training and have robust systems in place for escalating concerns. 

We use a system called CPOMS alongside our safeguarding procedures to help keep children safe. It allows us to record and manage concerns such as child protection, behaviour, special educational needs, or family issues. This ensures that all staff are informed and can focus on supporting and teaching your child, rather than on paperwork.

Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children. At Our Lady's Catholic Primary School we have a team with specific responsibilities for safeguarding. 

Our Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Leads: 
Ms Tara Davies (Headteacher) , Mr Carl Spackman (Deputy Head Teacher) & Mrs Fiaza Dogar (SENDCO) 

Safeguarding Governor:
Ms Kay Huntley 
safeguarding@ourladyscowley.co.uk

All school staff can be contacted on 01865779176 or via email safeguarding@ourladyscowley.co.uk. 

Worried about a child? 

Abuse is always wrong, no matter how many times it happens.​

There can be lots of different types of abuse: physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and neglect. 

Being abused can affect young people in lots of different ways but it is never their fault. It is not unusual for young people to find it hard to talk about abuse, even with their closest friends.

​If you are worried about a child or young person, please contact our school's safeguarding team on the details above. If it is an emergency, please contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 0507 666. For more information, please click on the button below.MASH 

Prevent Duty & Educating Against Hate
Under the Prevent Duty, schools have a responsibility to protect children from being drawn into terrorism. Extremist messages can appear in many forms, and young people may be targeted by those seeking to exploit their vulnerabilities. The Educate Against Hate website provides helpful guidance and resources for parents and school staff to support children and keep them safe from these risks.

Support for Everyone

There are a range of helplines and websites available to offer support to both adults and children, even outside regular hours.

Mental Health Schools Team (MHST) We partner with MHST to provide support for children and families in our setting. 

 

 

Place2Be
Place2Be supports the mental health and well-being of children in school. Trained counsellors work with children one-to-one or in groups to help them talk about their feelings, manage emotions, and build confidence. They also provide advice and resources for parents and staff to help create a caring and supportive environment for every child.

 

NHS Every Mind Matters
NHS Every Mind Matters offers guidance and resources to support mental health and well-being for both children and adults. It provides practical tips, self-help tools, and advice on managing stress, anxiety, and low mood. The site also includes information for parents on supporting children’s mental health, helping families build healthy coping strategies and resilience.

 

Domestic Abuse
The A2Dominion Domestic Abuse service supports anyone affected by domestic violence. They provide safe accommodation, practical help, emotional support, advocacy, and advice to help people leave abusive situations and rebuild their lives. Support is available to all, regardless of age, gender, or background.

NSPCC
The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is a UK charity focused on keeping children safe from abuse and neglect. They provide support, advice, and resources for children, families, and professionals through helplines, campaigns, and educational programs.

YoungMinds
YoungMinds is a UK charity that supports the mental health and well-being of children and young people. They offer advice, resources, and campaigns to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to support. They also run a helpline for parents and carers seeking guidance                                        on helping children with mental health challenges.

 

Childline
Childline is a UK helpline for children and young people, offering confidential support and advice on issues like bullying, abuse, mental health, and relationships. Available 24/7 by phone, online chat, or messaging, it provides a safe space for young people to talk. Childline is run by the                                            NSPCC.

Talk to Frank
Talk to Frank is a UK service offering confidential, honest, and non-judgmental advice about drugs. It provides information on the effects and risks of different substances and guidance to help people make informed decisions. Support is available by phone, text, or online chat for                                                   individuals, parents, and professionals.