Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Statement of Intent

The governors and staff of St. Paul’s Academy have high expectations for all students. St. Paul’s Academy is an inclusive Catholic Academy which welcomes students regardless of their level of need, ability or disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background.  We work to the premise that every child is ‘God’s work of art’.  It is a privilege for us as a community to have such a formative role in nurturing a young person to be full of ambition and hope in the future. St Paul’s is a place of welcome and a haven for all who spend time here.

All children have the right to learn and grow, free from the burden of abuse and neglect. Governors and staff at St. Paul’s Academy recognise their moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where our students are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of different types of abuse and follow agreed procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. We believe all students should have access to a learning environment which encourages and promotes positive personal, social and emotional development as well as academic success. We are committed to working together with local services to build resilience, and prevent and protect students from harm. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this policy and guidance as:

• Providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge;
• Protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online;
• Preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health or development;
• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the rovision of safe and effective care;
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.  

What to do if you have concerns

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: all adults and agencies have an important role to play. If you have concerns regarding any child’s safety or welfare, you should contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a member of the Safeguarding Team [see the image below for full details].

If you need to contact a member of the Safeguarding Team, please e-mail:

safeguarding@stpauls.greenwich.sch.uk

Alternatively, you can also contact your GP, health visitor or school nurse or one of the agencies listed:

Contact numbers:

• Greenwich Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub: 0208 921 3172
• Bexley Social Services: 0208 303 7777
• Childline: 0800 1111

If you are concerned that a child is at grave or immediate risk, dial 999.

General advice (NSPCC):

• If your child is behaving in a way you don’t want them to, clearly explain what you want them to do instead.
• Be available and make time for your child, so they will come to you when they feel something is wrong or they are upset.
• Keep talking and listening to your child even if at times it feels like a challenge.