At St Michael's C of E First School, we recognise that the safety, welfare and care of children are of the utmost importance. We are therefore committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted into our care at all times. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available in the Policies Section.

All staff are responsible for the safety of children. In addition, we have members of staff who are trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs). They are responsible for dealing with child protection concerns and ensuring that these are followed up as appropriate.

Lead DSL: Miss Alexandra Butler (Headteacher)

Safeguarding Link Governor: Father Simon Robinson

You can contact any of the above team by phoning 01643 702759 or email stmichaelsminehead@educ.somerset.gov.uk

At St Michael's C of E First School, we ensure that:

• all reasonable measures are taken to minimise the risks of harm to children’s welfare
• all appropriate actions are taken to address concerns about the welfare of a child, or children, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies
• all persons working at this school are made aware of this policy and trained annually
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We recognise that some children may be the victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Staff of the school will often, by virtue of their day to day contact and knowledge of the children, be well placed to identify such abuse and offer support to children in need.

In order to protect our children, we aim to:

• Create an atmosphere where all our children can feel secure, valued and listened to
• Recognise signs and symptoms of abuse
• Respond quickly and effectively to cases of suspected abuse
• Monitor and support children at risk
• Use the curriculum to raise children’s awareness, build confidence and skills
• Work closely with parent/carers and support external agencies
• Ensure that all adults within our school/service who have access to children have been checked as to their suitability

At St Michael's C of E First School, we place high value on pastoral care and our Values. We will support all children by:

• Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the school.
• Encouraging self-esteem and appropriate self-assertiveness
• Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children
• Notifying Social Care Services via the approved mechanisms as soon as there is a significant concern
• Providing continuing support to a child about whom there have been concerns who leaves the school by ensuring that appropriate information is forwarded under confidential cover to the child’s new school