Notre Dame Catholic College
and Sixth Form

Safeguarding

To report any safeguarding concerns please call the school or email us on sg@notredame.liverpool.sch.uk

Mrs J Littleboy

Mrs J Littleboy

Director of Safeguarding Services

Mrs E Brennan

Mrs E Brennan

Acting Headteacher/Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr A McVerry

Mr A McVerry

Senior Assistant Headteacher / SENDCo

Notre Dame ensures that young people learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Students are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited. Notre Dame also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services.

Schools are not able to investigate concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter.

We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the young person. Notre Dame Catholic College is committed to the principles of Working Together to Safeguard Children which states that a ‘child centred approach is fundamental to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child.

A child centred approach means keeping the child in focus when making decisions about their lives and working in partnership with them and their families. ’ The following statement is provided to parents/carers so they are aware of the school’s responsibilities: ‘Notre Dame Catholic College ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.

The school also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate child protection concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carers of its need to make a referral.

However, sometimes the school can in certain circumstances share information without the consent of the family and may be advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter or make enquires. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the child.’ The school will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the young person and family

Safeguarding Assembly

Safeguarding Noticeboard

CAMHS

CEOP

Be Aware, Keep Safe

Coping with Self Harm

Liverpool Self Harm Practice Guide

Supporting Mental Health

Video Game Violence

Safeguarding Resource Hub

Safeguarding Mate

View our Safeguarding noticeboard below for the latest school Safeguarding updates and useful links for support and advice regarding various matters related to welfare including Mental Health, Online Safety or concerns around bullying and/or abuse, or criminal activity.

Made with Padlet

Are you worried about a child’s welfare?

If you are a member of the public and have a concern about a child please contact 999 in an emergency. Careline on 0151 233 3700 or Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010. A child needs protection – if a child is suffering harm, neglect or abuse, we can work together to act to protect them. If you are worried a family is under stress – careline can offer support and advice and help families access support from other.

School Procedures

If you have concerns a child is being harmed, abused or neglected you must share your concerns immediately (verbally) with Mrs Brennan or one of the deputy designated safeguard leads, Mrs Littleboy or  Mr McVerry.

If members of the safeguarding team are not in the school building you can speak to any member of the SLT.

Mrs Brennan can be contacted on her work mobile to dicuss and concerns.

Always listen carefully to the child and record what the child says in their own words. Never promise to keep a secret.

Speak to the relevant staff immediately – don’t leave it until the end of the day.

Download FULL School Safeguarding Procedures Guide

Operation Encompass

Notre Dame Catholic College works with the police in Operation Encompass. This means that when there is an incident of domestic abuse in the family home the police share the information with a key adult in school.

The school DSL and Deputy DSL receive an Operation Encompass email to the school safeguarding email address with information about the incident date, location and time along with if the pupil and any siblings were present at the time of the incident. This information allows school staff to offer immediate support to any pupils who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. Only key safeguarding staff will have this information however the pupil’s name will be added to the Handle With Care list.

Children are negatively impacted by experiencing domestic abuse and without early intervention and support this negative impact can last through a child’s life course. Domestic abuse can impact upon social, psychological, physical, emotional and behavioural outcomes with an often negative impact upon a child’s academic success. Experiencing domestic abuse has been identified as an Adverse Childhood Experience.

Further information can be found here.

There are resources signposted on the school safeguarding padlet for any adults or students who might require support. The padlet can be found above or by clicking here.

Operation Encompass Letter to Parents