Safeguarding Principles

St Bede’s Catholic High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the health, safety and well-being of every student. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which can be viewed here: Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy. We listen to our students and take seriously what they tell us. Students are made aware that they can talk to any adult in school if they have any concerns. All staff are trained in safeguarding and receive regular safeguarding updates, including the signs and indicators that a child may be being harmed or at risk of harm and the procedure to record and report any student disclosures.

St Bede’s High 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, St Bede’s 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 feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset however, we must act upon the advice given to us in the best interest of the child. If you have any safeguarding concerns please contact Mrs E Palmer (e.palmer@sbchs.co.uk) or any member of the school safeguarding team (admin@sbchs.co.uk) or 01695 570335.

Click here to go to the policies page where you can view the Safeguarding & Child Protection policies, as well as the KCSIE & LAC policies.