Saint Nicholas School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Lucy Thomas (Deputy Head Pastoral). Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Mr Paul Wilson (Deputy Head Academic) and Mrs Alicia Howe (Assistant Head Pastoral). The Governor with responsibility for safeguarding in our school is Mrs Kirsty Palmer.

If you have concerns about a child out of school hours, you should follow the guidelines below.

If the child is at immediate risk of significant harm, then call the Children and Families Hub on 0345 603 7627 and ask for the ‘Priority Line’.

Out of hours

(Mon-Thurs 5.30pm-9am. Fri & Bank Holidays 4.30pm-9am)

Photographs and Videos

Whilst lots of parents and carers really enjoy seeing photos and videos of their children’s school life we are very mindful of our duty of care towards all our pupils. We take the issue of safeguarding very seriously and this includes the use of photographic and video images.

Any photographs or videos taken by parents, carers and relatives at school productions, sports days or other events are for the enjoyment of individual families. They must not be used in any way that could potentially place a child at risk. This would include publishing images in any form of print or on the internet including social networking sites. This is emphasised before concerts and shows etc.

We understand that in exceptional circumstances a parent or carer may not wish their child to be photographed or videoed in this way. If this is the case then please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead to discuss how this can be best achieved.

Occasionally, the local press will be invited to take photographs of school events and special achievements. We like to use photographs of our children on our website, in school documents, for parent information meetings, newsletters and on our display screens around the school. If you do not wish photographs of your child to be used for these purposes, then please contact the PA to the Headmaster.

Useful Safeguarding Websites

The PANTS / Underwear rule – guidance for parents on how to talk to your child about keeping themselves safe from sexual abuse.

Childline UK and NSPCC – support and advice for pupils and parents for a range of issues

Anti Bullying Alliance – United Against Bullying

The Essex Children’s Safeguarding Board offers a range of support for Parents. The following website provide information and advice in relation to specific issues effecting young people today.

​​Identity / Anxiety

Parentzone - Sex & Relationships -  A social enterprise who provide best available advice, information and training to families, carers and professionals on all of the issues that are caused or amplified by the internet.

  • NHS - Depression in Children & Teenagers
  • NHS - Worried about your Teenager
  • Mind - Types of Mental Health problems

Exam Stress

  • Mind - Helping a friend with a Mental Health problem
  • NHS - Talking to your Teenager
  • Charlie Waller Memorial Trust - Support and advice for young people suffering depression.

Peer Pressure / Bullying

  • NHS - Worried about your Teenager
  • Kidscape - Bullying at school - providing children, families, carers and professionals with advice, training and practical tools to prevent bullying and protect young lives.
  • YoungMinds - Believe in yourself - YoungMinds UK’s leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of young people.

Mind - Types of Mental Health Problems

  •  ParentZone - Sex & Relationships - A social enterprise who provide best available advice, information and training to families, carers and professionals on all of the issues that are caused or amplified by the internet.

Depression​

  • Mind - Helping a friend with a Mental Health problem
  • NHS - Signs of depression in children
  • Charlie Waller Memorial Trust - Support and advice for young people suffering depression.
  • YoungMinds - Believe in yourself  - YoungMinds UK’s leading charity championing the wellbeing and mental health of young people.

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