All work in our school is underpinned by our theologically rooted Christian vision, we want children to live life in all its fulness (John 10:10). Effective safeguarding is at the heart of this vision. All staff and volunteers in school work together to create a safe, caring and trusting environment where children are listened to, supported and protected when they face challenges in their lives. We work together, with families, and external agencies, when necessary, to secure the very best outcomes for children and their families.

We have established and effective safeguarding procedures in place. In addition to this, we have an experienced and highly trained team of staff who work together in the best interests of children and their well being needs. All our work is underpinned by the by the law and statutory guidance. We routinely review and improve our practice, through training, supervision and research. We work with our partners to ensure we are doing the very best we can for all our children. Our policies and procedures, available using the link below, clarify our approach.

'Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.'

Keeping Children Safe in Education - September 2022

During term time, our staff work together to keep children safe. Outside of term time, if you have a safeguarding concern about a child you can contact our Unitary Authority's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) to ask for advice or to report your concern on 0333 240 1727. Further advice, and an opportunity to report your concern, is also available through our Cumbria's Safeguarding Children Partnership.

If you think that a child is at immediate risk of serious harm contact the Police on 999.

Pupil Support and Resilience Team - who we are and what we do...

Matthew Towe - Headteacher and Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding in school.

Charlotte Casey - Deputy DSL, Reception Teacher, Computing and Online Safety Lead, Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion

Lisa Brockbank - Deputy DSL, Nursery Teacher, SENDCo

Sarah Clarke - Deputy DSL, KS2 HLTA, Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

We want all of our pupils to feel happy, safe, valued, understood and listened to at St Martin & St Mary’s Primary School.

Our role is to provide support and guidance to all our children and promote their well-being by liaising with parents/carers, school staff and external agencies. The PSRT team aims to develop positive home/school relationships by listening and caring in a non-judgemental way. We can help by offering a professional service with access to an extensive range of information, enabling us to signpost parents/carers to a variety of services who may be able to help.

Some of the areas we can offer support for families includes:

• Attendance
• Bereavement
• Low self-esteem
• Parental separation
• Food issues
• Conflict resolutions
• Routines at home
• Friendships
• Challenging behaviour
• Transition between classes
• Transition between schools
• Sibling links
• Young carers
• Coordinating Early Help support and intervention
• Supporting staff

Please follow this link to access resources and information about Safeguarding, Online Safety and Mental Health Wellbeing for families and staff working with young people.

Please use this link to access our Policies section. Here you will find the following;

• Overarching Safeguarding Statement
• Child Protection Policy and Procedures
• Online Safety Policy
• Whole School Behaviour Policy
• Whistleblowing Procedures