http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/ercpcWe Work Hard to Keep Our Children Safe: (Child Protection)

All children and young people have a right to be listened to and to have matters treated in confidence. Involving children and young people and upholding their rights is good practice and builds trust with children, young people and their families. Where there is no risk to a child’s wellbeing, school staff should respect their right to confidentiality.

Where possible, consent to share information should be sought from the child and their parent or carer, the exception to this is where there is potential of harm to the child or young person or where the child or young person has already been identified as being at risk through child protection procedures. In such circumstances the need for consent is overridden and information should be shared with appropriate agencies.

Children and young people should be advised that there are no guarantees to confidentiality, where the school assesses them to be at risk.

At St Joseph’s Primary School we take the care, welfare and protection of our children very seriously. We believe all children have a right to feel safe within the school, home and community.

Within our school we strive to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment for our pupils which promotes inclusion and achievement.

All staff members in Education have a statutory and professional responsibility to take action if we have reason to believe a child is suffering, or is at risk of abuse.

Our child protection policy and procedure sets out what we will do if we have reason to believe a child is being abused or is at risk of abuse, either within the home or the community. These policies are designed to ensure that children get the help they need when they need it.

Every staff member undergoes a minimum of one child protection training activity every session.

Many of our staff members are more extensively trained in specific areas of child protection to support and identify potential child protection concerns.

All schools in East Renfrewshire have comprehensive Pupil Support systems in place and we work closely with our partners in Social Work, Health and the Police. The school operates a multi agency

Joint Support Team to ensure that the best possible supports are available to pupils when they need them.

The Child Protection Co-ordinator for the school is Suzanne Martin (HT). If you wish any further information or a copy of the school policy, please contact the school office. If you wish to discuss this important matter further, please make an appointment to see Suzanne Martin

If you are worried or know of a child who could be at risk of abuse or neglect please speak to the Child protection Coordinator.

The Scottish Government has recently launched a website dedicated to supporting everyone worried about child sexual exploitation. With information for children, young  people, friends and families, it can only be successful with your help.

http://www.csethesigns.scot/