Safeguarding
Safeguarding at Our Lady of Compassion Catholic Primary School
At Our Lady of Compassion Catholic Primary School, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every child are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where all children feel safe, valued, respected and able to flourish.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. Through clear procedures, regular training and strong partnerships with families, we work together to ensure that every child receives the care, support and protection they need.
All safeguarding concerns are reported to members of our safeguarding team, who are trained as Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and work in line with statutory guidance and best practice. All staff and governors receive regular safeguarding training to ensure they remain vigilant and informed.
Our Safeguarding Team
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:
- Mrs Anna Vella – Deputy Headteacher
She is supported by:
- Mr Neil Emery – Headteacher
- Miss Moir – Footsteps Manager
All members of the safeguarding team are trained DSLs and are responsible for ensuring that children receive the appropriate support and protection when concerns arise.
If You Have a Concern
If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of your child, or any child attending Our Lady of Compassion, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team as soon as possible.
Our safeguarding leads are experienced in responding sensitively and appropriately to concerns and will ensure that any information shared is handled with the necessary level of confidentiality. They will seek advice and support from relevant agencies where needed, always acting in the best interests of the child.
How We Keep Children Safe
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, we have a range of safeguarding measures in place, including:
- Robust safeguarding policies and procedures
- Regular safeguarding training for staff and governors
- Safer recruitment practices
- Online safety education and monitoring
- Effective attendance and welfare monitoring
- Secure site and visitor procedures
- Strong partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies
- A culture where children are encouraged to speak out and know that they will be listened to
Together, we create a safe, caring and nurturing community where every child is known, loved and protected. ❤️🛡️✝️
Cause for Concern
At Our Lady of Compassion, all staff are committed to ensuring that children are safe, happy and well supported. If a member of staff has a concern about a child's welfare, wellbeing or safety, they will share this with the school's Safeguarding Team so that appropriate support can be provided.
In many cases, concerns can be explained by everyday circumstances and are discussed with parents and carers at the earliest opportunity. Concerns may relate to a range of issues, including changes in behaviour, emotional wellbeing, persistent lateness, attendance patterns or information a child may choose to share with a trusted adult.
Our aim is always to work in partnership with families to ensure that children receive the care and support they need. Further information can be found in our Safeguarding Policy.
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for children to thrive both academically and socially. Attendance and punctuality are monitored carefully by the School Office and are overseen by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
We work closely with families to understand and address the reasons for any absence or lateness, ensuring that children receive the support they need to attend school regularly. Parents and carers will be contacted promptly if concerns arise so that we can work together positively and effectively.
Both attendance patterns and wellbeing concerns can sometimes be early indicators that a child or family may need additional support. By identifying concerns early, we are able to offer guidance, care and practical assistance through our pastoral provision and safeguarding team.
Online Safety
See our dedicated Online Safety page for help, advice and links relating to keeping children safe online.
Statutory Safeguarding Guidance
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 2025
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026
Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance
Safeguarding - OLC Child-Friendly Policy
Created by the Children, for the Children
At Our Lady of Compassion, we believe that every child has the right to feel safe, happy and protected. We also believe that children should understand how to keep themselves safe and know who they can turn to if they are worried about anything.
Our Child-Friendly Safeguarding Policy has been created with the help of our wonderful pupils, ensuring that safeguarding is explained in a way that children can easily understand. Through their ideas and experiences, they have helped create a guide that tells children:
- How to stay safe in school, at home and online
- Who they can talk to if they are worried or upset
- What to do if they are concerned about themselves or a friend
- How trusted adults can help and support them
- Why everyone has a part to play in keeping each other safe
By creating this policy, our children have helped to strengthen our culture of care, openness and respect, ensuring that every pupil knows they are listened to, valued and supported.