St. Teresa's Roman Catholic Infant and Nursery School.
Headmistress: Miss Anna Gavin

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care and Discipline  

Through teaching awareness of the gospel values, it is hoped that the children will develop a respect for each other and for the wider community.
The children are encouraged to be polite, kind and to work hard. Those who show a particular awareness of these values will be awarded stickers and certificates.

In the first instance the class teacher is responsible for the discipline or their pupils. The Head Teacher will be informed of any child who has persistent problems and will take appropriate action. The parents of any child who is causing concern will be informed.

Traditionally, there are close links between St. Teresa's church and school. These manifest themselves in numerous different ways, especially in the children's Masses that are held in the school hall.

 

ST TERESA’S CATHOLIC INFANT & NURSERY SCHOOL

 

 

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

 

The Background

 

The school recognises that “…because they are in regular and frequent contact with the children, school staff are particularly well placed to observe…signs of abuse.” (DFEE Circular 4/88 and Working Together under the Children’s Act 1989.)  The school is therefore aware of the responsibilities which the school and its staff have with regard to the protection of children from abuse and from inappropriate and inadequate care, and is committed to reacting in all cases where there is concern.

 

The school believes in the protection of all its children.  Some children suffer from specific child abuse which might be the infliction of harm or by a failure to prevent harm.  Children may be abused in a family, or in an institutional setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect.

 

Everyone who works with children, parents and other adults in contact with children should be able to recognise and know how to act upon, indicators that a child’s welfare or safety may be at risk.  The staff has received some in-service training (25th Nov 2009) from the Local Authority Child Protection team.  The school subscribes to Sefton Area Child Protection Committee Procedures and Guidance with regard to any concerns.  There are two files with relevant information on child protection including additional policies; one in the Head Teacher’s office and one in the staff area.  There is also a labelled box available to all staff easily available in the Head Teacher’s office for reference on wider issues.

 

Allegations of professional abuse

 

All adults who are in a position whereby they might build up a relationship of trust with a child are required to have a CRB check made regarding their suitability.( Central record in Secretary’s office.)

 

Adults should not place themselves in situations of vulnerability, where they are in a one-to-one basis with children, in an enclosed area.  Any child who might require attention of a more personnel nature must be attended by two adults.

 

The school has a policy prohibiting the use of mobile phones or personal cameras in the classroom when children are present.

 

If any adult is suspected/accused of professional abuse towards a child the Head/ Deputy (in the case of the Head being the accused ) must contact the Chair of Governors and the Local Authority so that the correct procedures may be followed.

 

Designated Teacher

 

In accordance with Circular 4/88, the school has a designated child protection liaison teacher.  This role is taken by Mrs A Pentin, the Deputy Head Teacher who is supported in her role by Miss Gavin, the Head Teacher.  All staff has been made aware of the role and its responsibilities which are:

  • To keep the suffering of the child to a minimum.
  • To be responsible for ensuring that effective communication and liaison with social services and other agencies takes place as appropriate in the event of staff having child protection concerns about a pupil.
  • To be the keyholder to the child protection files and the case conference minutes.
  • To ensure that teaching and non-teaching staff have an understanding of child abuse and its main indicators, and are aware of the school’s and their own child protection responsibilities within CCPC Procedures.
  • To support and advise staff in their child protection work.
  • To be involved in the planning of content and delivery of the personal, social and health education curriculum with respect to child protection issues.
  • To maintain her own knowledge and awareness of the issues, policy and practice of child protection, through regular attendance at appropriate training courses etc.,

 

In the event of a member of staff having a child protection concern about a pupil, she will immediately inform the designated teacher, and record accurately the event(s) giving rise to the concern.  The action to be taken subsequently is detailed in the Education Guidance section of the CCPC. (Appendix C) Child Protection Procedures, and this guidance will be followed.

 

Listening to the Children

 

Some staff will have a particular contribution to make in listening to children who have been through the experience of abuse.  It is important that this work is not undertaken at a time when it may impact on any legal processes through which the children may be involved, and that it does not clash with any therapeutic interventions provide by other agencies.  All staff is aware that if they are selected by a pupil to hear a disclosure of abuse they must comply with the guidance given in the Memorandum of Good Practice (Criminal Justice Act 1991.)

 

Records

 

All records and witness statements relating to child protection concerns and cases will be kept confidential.  Access will only be via the Head Teacher.

 

Parents

 

Parents should be aware that the school will take any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its pupils.  In cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill-treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, staff is obliged to follow procedures laid down by Sefton Child Protection Committee and inform Social Services of their concern.

Parents will not always be fully informed of concerns unless staff is certain that the safety of the child will not prejudiced.

 

Training

 

The school recognises the importance of regular training for all staff.

Therefore:

  • The designated teacher will attend appropriate training including regular updates.
  • All staff, who come into contact with children will receive in-house training in child protection and will be given the opportunity to attend Authority courses when available.
  • Anyone joining the school staff will be briefed fully concerning their responsibilities within the child protection procedures before beginning their duties.

Procedures Handbook

 

The Child Protection Manual is on the shelf in the Head Teacher’s room and a copy in the staff area.  There is a labelled box with further information regarding associated topics also available in the Head Teacher’s room which is readily available to all staff.  The designated teacher will ensure that all staff is familiar with this and is also familiar with the Education Guidance Section.

 

Child Protection Conferences

 

The school will ensure that all child protection conferences are attended by a member of staff who is properly informed about the immediate concerns as well as the child and his/her history.  Full reports to conferences in accordance with the Procedures, will be sent to the Child Protection Office, in advance where possible, or multiple copies taken to the conference where time given is limited.

 

Staff Support

 

The stress on staff involved in any aspect of child protection is considerable and the school will ensure that staff is properly supported.  The Head Teacher will be responsible for ensuring that support from outside the school is sought where appropriate.

 

Coherence

 

The Child Protection Policy will be complemented and supported by other school policies and practices.  The school will develop policies related:  personal, social and health education; sex education; equal opportunities; behaviour and anti-bullying.  In particular, personal, social and health education is designed to help children to be less vulnerable to abuse; where this is possible, without in any way implying that the responsibility for child procedure lies in any way with the child.  Some of the themes which will be included with this in mind are: Myself; Attitudes we hold; Inter-personal relationships; Celebrating relationships; Safety etc., Many of these themes are taught through the RE scheme “Here I Am.”

 

 

Monitoring and Evaluation

 

The following will be regularly monitored:

  • The knowledge of the system by all staff.
  • The awareness of key issues by pupils and staff.
  • The use of procedures.
  • Curriculum provision.
  •  

The system will only operate effectively if people’s awareness is heightened through training, education and information.

 

The designated teacher will provide a brief annual report of the measures which will ensure the effective implementation of the policy.  This report will be made available to the Governors.

 

 


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