SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

At Rusthall St Paul’s the health, safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment to safeguarding our pupils.

We believe that pupils have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse. Safeguarding is about ensuring that everyone is safe. Safe from harm – safe from bullying, safe from people who could abuse, safe from discrimination or harassment – and that we all feel safe in our environment. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. All school staff are trained in Child Protection, and children are made aware of the adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. Staff are trained to look out for signs of physical/emotional harm or neglect and are required to report these to the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL).

Designated Safeguarding Leads-

• Liz Mitchell - Executive Headteacher
• Lyndsay Smurthwaite - Head of School
• Sandra Sheldrake - Assistant Headteacher

If you are a parent or member of the public and need to contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead during school term time please email rusthallheadofschool@inspiream.org.uk or telephone 01892 520582 and ask to speak to a DSL.

Out of office hours and during school holidays, if you have any immediate safeguarding concerns, please contact the Kent Front Door on 03000 41 91 91. 

If you think someone is in immediate danger, the best thing to do is call 999 for the emergency services.

If you are a professional and need to contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead outside of school hours or in the school holidays please email headofschool@rusthall-cep.kent.sch.uk 

Safeguarding Governor-  Ruth Hinckley

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy which can be viewed in the Policies section of our website.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.

We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism

Worried about a child?

If you are worried about a child and think they are in danger of harm please phone the school office and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, alternatively, you can make a referral via the NSPCC website:  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/