Safeguarding at St. Aidan’s

At St. Aidan’s Church of England Primary School, our top priority is the safeguarding, safety and well-being of every child. We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where all children can feel happy, safe, and are able to learn and thrive. This is not the responsibility of a single person, but a commitment shared by every member of our school community, that creates a culture and ethos of safeguarding in every aspect of life here at St. Aidan’s Church of England Primary School.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children

We believe that all children have the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. Our commitment includes:

Vigilance: All staff and volunteers are trained to be vigilant and curious about the children in their care. They are aware of potential signs of abuse or neglect and know how to report concerns.

Support: We work to create a supportive and protective culture where children feel valued and know there are trusted adults they can talk to if they have a worry. We ensure children are listened to and that their concerns are taken seriously.

Creating a Safe Environment: We implement robust safeguarding measures to create a secure setting for our pupils, both physically and online. This includes vetting all staff and volunteers, employing safer recruitment practices, maintaining site security and having clear policies on issues like e-safety, behaviour and discipline.

Working in Partnership: We understand that a child’s welfare is everyone’s responsibility and we work closely with parents, families, and external agencies, such as children’s social care, to ensure children receive the right help at the right time. We are also supported by our Safeguarding Partner Clennell Education Solutions.

A Whole-School Approach

Our safeguarding culture is embedded in all aspects of school life, from our inclusive curriculum to our school rules. We ensure:

Staff Training: Our staff receive regular, up-to-date safeguarding and child protection training to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively safeguard children.

Safer Recruitment: We follow stringent safer recruitment practices to ensure all adults who have contact with children are thoroughly vetted.

Education for Pupils: Our curriculum includes lessons and activities that empower children with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe, both online and in the real world.

Open Communication: We work openly and honestly with parents and carers. While we will share concerns with parents wherever possible, we will act in the best interests of the child, and on occasions, this may involve sharing information with other agencies without consent if a child is believed to be at risk of harm.

How to Raise a Concern

If you have any concerns about a child, please do not hesitate to contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead or a member of the safeguarding team.                                                                                      

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Cheryl Lain – Head Teacher

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads

Or alternatively you can visit Worried about a child? – Gateshead Council

Together, we can ensure that St. Aidan’s Church of England Primary School continues to be a safe, supportive, and positive environment where all children can reach their full potential.