At Holy Cross to safeguard children we:

• We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, 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.

• Follow Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, the Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) Protocols and the Thurrock Threshold Document.
• We used these documents and other policies and guidance (e.g. peer-on-peer abuse) to create our school Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (which can be found on our website).
• We also use the Afruca Physical Chastisement Documents to support with the cultural make-up of our school around discipline.
• All staff have purple Safeguarding and Child Protection folders with policies, guidance and individual pupil details where appropriate.
• We use CPOMS to record all concerns (or paper blue forms, in case of no internet access).
• All staff receive annual Safeguarding training at the start of the academic year and sign to say they have read and complete questions on Keep Children Safe in Education and other documentation.
• We hold annual refresher Prevent training.
• All staff have received training on child-on-child abuse and sexism in schools.
• If we have concerns about a member of staff, we discuss this with the headteacher or the chair of governors (if related to the headteacher) or follow our whistleblowing policy.
• If we are not happy with the DSL’s decisions, we can always contact the Local Authority or the Police ourselves, if we are still concerned.
• Safeguarding contact detail posters are located all around the school with key people and how to contact them.

Working with Parents

We always try to work alongside parents and support them, especially where they may be concerns.  However, there may be occasions where we are advised by the Police or Children's Social Care, not to communicate with parents first.  We understand that this is frustrating and distressing for you as parents and we will always share our concerns with you as soon as we are able.