Safeguarding and Child Protection
Safeguarding Children is Everybody’s Responsibility…
At St Gregory’s Catholic Primary school, we recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all of our children. We promote a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.
We are an Operation Encompass School. https://www.operationencompass.org/
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Our Designated Lead for Safeguarding and Child Protection is our Acting Headteacher, Miss Emma Shaughnessy, who can be contacted in confidence by calling 0191 455 2909 or email eshaughnessy@st-gregorys.co.uk
The Deputy Designated Lead for Safeguarding is our Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo Mrs S Blackwood. She can be contacted in confidence by calling 0191 455 2909 or email sblackwood@st-gregorys.co.uk
Mrs N Squares and Miss Watson are also DSLs and part of the Senior Leadership Team member, is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead. She can be contacted in confidence by calling 0191 455 2909
Safeguarding Governors
Our Governor for Safeguarding and Child Protection Mrs N Hall, who can be contacted in confidence by calling school on 0191 455 2909 or by emailing any concerns to office@st-gregorys.co.uk
Our Chair of Governors is Mr M Puech.
Click below to view the updated Policy for 2024/25
Safeguarding and child protection policy 2024-2025
Are you worried about a child?
If you are suspicious or have any concerns that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, call Children and Families Social Care on:
0191 424 5010 (Monday to Thursday – 8.30am to 5pm, Friday – 8.30am to 4.30pm)
0191 456 2093 (Outside of the above time)
For more information and advice free phone the NSPCC 0808 800 5000.
If a crime is taking place now:
Dial 101 to inform the police (or 999 if it is a serious crime / emergency)
Call 999 if you believe any other emergency service is needed
See https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/35807/Worried-about-a-child- for more information
Prevent Duty Statement
On 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty (section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty places the responsibility on local authorities and schools to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is as important as safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We believe that children should be given the opportunity to explore diversity and understand Britain as a multi-cultural society; everyone should be treated with respect whatever their race, gender, sexuality, religious belief, special need, or disability. As part of our commitment to safeguarding and child protection we fully support the government’s Prevent Strategy.
At St Gregory’s we are committed to the emotional needs of our children and recognise that there may be certain times in their lives when they require professional counselling support.
During these times of need we offer support through engagement with counsellors from the Road Centre .The counsellor is able to form a strong relationship with the child and is able to meet with them in school. Here they are encouraged and given time to explore their feelings through talk, creativity and therapeutic activities. We also work closely with the ‘Healthy Minds’ team at South Tyneside Local Authority.
We hope that through early intervention we can help prepare the children for a bright future, knowing there is always someone who will listen to their concerns and feelings.
View or download our Safeguarding Policy in the School Policies section of our website.
