Safeguarding

At St Martin’s we know that children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met, and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them. All staff and volunteers working in the school have a duty to ensure that children are safe and protected. We all have a duty to ensure that if there are any concerns relating to the welfare or safety of a child, the pan-Sussex child protection procedures are followed.

We will always try to work in partnership with families. However if there is any conflict between the needs of the child or young person and those of parents/carers or professionals, the needs of the young person will always come first. The school has a number of policies to keep children safe and well, including the school’s Child Protection Policy which can be accessed on the school’s website or you can request a copy from the school office.

Everyone has a responsibility for Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and for ensuring they are protected from harm.

If you have any safeguarding concerns please report them to the staff below:

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Sam Oliver, Deputy Head. The Deputy Safeguarding Leads are Mrs Chris Halley, Family Inclusion Coordinator and Mrs Jane Joshi, Headteacher.

Our school works in partnership with Operation Encompass which provides crucial information, enabling teachers and Key Workers to play a proactive and informed role in protecting and supporting children today, while also aiming to secure their future well-being. This action-oriented focus concentrates on both the immediate and lasting impact of the support given to a child experiencing domestic abuse. Operation Encompass is a beacon of hope for children experiencing domestic abuse. As Operation Encompass reaches its fifteenth year there have been many significant milestones, not least that it is one of the most successful social impact initiatives in the field of safeguarding vulnerable children. Their website address is www.operationencompass.org

Self-Harm Learning Network – Free Training Sessions for Parents/Carers

Family Information Service (FIS)

Parenting & Family Support (formerly Parentline )

Anti Bullying

AMAZE – local support for Parents/Carers of children with special needs and disabilities

Safety Net – Local charity providing services and support to improve safety and well-being for children, young people and parents/carers.

Safety Net for the Children

Community Safety Team – Service for the reporting of hate incidents, anti-social behaviour and supporting those who have been targeted inside and outside school.

MOSAIC provides independant support for black and mixed-parentage families to combat racism and support the development of positive cultural and racial identity.

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