What is safeguarding?
At St John and St James’, Safeguarding runs through everything we do. Our policies all reference the government’s document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (2014).
Safeguarding is not only about protecting children from abuse and neglect. It is also about doing what is best for children to ensure that they are provided with opportunities to become successful adults.
Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility and children have a right to be safe in all environments, for example, at home, school, on the street and even on the internet. It is therefore the role of teachers, learning mentors, doctors, nurses, social workers, police officers, faith leaders, sports coaches and all other adults to ensure that children are safe from harm.
What does the school do to ensure that suitable adults are employed to work in our school?
Our school follows strict guidance, such as adhering to strict checking and vetting procedures. At least one member of staff and governor on each interview panel will have received specific ‘Safer Recruitment Training’. In this way, we ensure that all adults we recruit are safe.
All adults working with our children will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS. Visitors must also show photo ID. If a visitor has photo ID, but cannot show valid DBS clearance, they will be supervised at all times.
Who should I speak to if I have concerns about a Looked After child?
Our school has a designated Looked After Child Officer, Mr Watson (Assistant Headteacher and SEND Lead). If you have any concerns about a looked after child, you should make an appointment to speak with him as your first port of call. You can do so by visiting the main office and requesting a meeting with the ‘Designated Looked After Child Officer’.
Who should I contact?
Our DSL’s here at SJSJ have produced a poster which gives details of a number of agencies that you can contact if you have concerns about a child or a professional working with a child or young person.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
At St John & St James’ there are three dedicated members of staff that you should speak to if you have any concerns about any of our pupils.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Joshua Watson.
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead’s are Sharon Rees, Grace Gladstone, Billie Lawrence & Sus March.
To contact one of our DSL’s please email:
- J. Watson – jwatson@johnjames.hackney.sch.uk
- S. Rees – srees@johnjames.hackney.sch.uk
- G. Gladstone – ggladstone@johnjames.hackney.sch.uk
- B. Lawrence – blawrence@johnjames.hackney.sch.uk
- S. March – smarch@johnjames.hackney.sch.uk
Safeguarding Policies
NSPCC Guidance
The NSPCC has a great range of safety guides and guidance for keeping safe online. To find out more, please click here.
You can also view the NSPCC’s Parent Guide to Being Share Aware:
Share Aware Guide from NSPCC
The NSPCC have developed a brief guide for parents and carers to help them to understand more about ‘the metaverse’ which is tipped to be the next big development in digital technology. To view this article, please click here.
Childline
Childline are an organisation there to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything; whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are there to support you.
Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to them by calling 0800 1111