Safeguarding
St Benedict's Catholic Primary School fully recognises the contribution it can make in protecting, supporting and promoting the welfare of the children in our school. We are committed to ensuring that children are safe, that child protection practice is effective and that procedures are followed. We make every attempt possible to ensure that children are safe from abuse or harm during their time at school and at home.
St Benedict's ensures a high commitment to safeguarding all the pupils in our care. We ensure that we are fully up-to-date with current legislation and all governors, staff and volunteers fulfil their obligations in line with 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'.
If you have any concerns relating to child protection, you can speak to one of the designated members of staff at school, or contact Leeds Children Social Work Services on 0113 222 4403. Alternatively, you can contact the Police on 101 and ask to speak to a child protection officer.
Please note the new dedicated and confidential helpline run by the NSPCC in support of the current national agenda of tackling child sexual abuse strategy. This line is available to current or past victims as well as parents, carers or professionals with concerns. The dedicated NSPCC helpline number is 0800 136 663 or by email at help@nspcc.org.uk.
Useful information regarding safeguarding is available at the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership.
The school's designated safeguarding lead is Mr John Woolley.
The school's designated safeguarding governor is Mrs Kate Dilworth.
Mrs Inga Lunn and Mrs Claire Hunter are deputy safeguarding leads. Miss Harriet Puckering is also now a deputy safeguarding lead as of September 2023.
Please see our child friendly Safeguarding Policy for our pupils.
Further Links and Support for Families
Cluster Services
As a school, we work closely with Garforth Cluster Services to support our families in need. Families can contact the Cluster direct to seek advice on
Tel 0113 2127146.
24hr National Domestic Violence helpline:
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
Also, the Leeds Domestic Violence Service website is now live. The new site can be accessed via the existing LDVS site link, which is as follows: ldvs.uk The site draws together vital information on domestic violence and abuse and how to get support from LDVS and other services, both local and national. The site includes several resources for victims-survivors; people supporting loved ones affected by domestic violence and abuse; and professionals working with victims-survivors.
Childline:
Childline is available 24/7
0800 1111
Translators are available when calling 101.
NSPCC
Helpline for adults concerned about a child: 0808 800 5000
Helpline for children and young people under 18 years: 0800 11 11
Please find further contacts for West Yorkshire here: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/domestic-abuse-contacts#local
The NSPCC Website ‘Share Aware’ provides straight forward, no-nonsense advice that will untangle the web, and show parents how they can be just as great a parent online as offline. It includes a guide to social networking sites, a parents’ guide and tips about how to talk to your child about staying safe online.
Educate Against Hate:
The government has launched Educate Against Hate, to provide resources to parents and school that can reduce the risk of radicalisation and build resiliance in children against extremism, and promote shared values.
