Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children.
To ensure we fulfil this responsibility at Everton Heath Primary School, all professionals are trained to ensure their approach is child-centred; what is in the best interest of the child at all times. No single professional can have a full picture of a child’s needs and circumstances. If children and families are to receive the right help at the right time everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns and the sharing of information, on a ‘need to know’ basis. The Child Protection Team will ensure the information is collated and dealt with appropriately.
The child protection team at Everton Heath Primary School is:
Mrs Emma Bircham – Designated Safeguarding Lead, Headteacher
Mr Nathan Browning-White – Designated Safeguarding Lead, Reception Teacher
Under the Education Act 2002 (sections 175/157), schools must “make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.” We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment where children are respected, valued, and supported.
- Staff remain vigilant to signs of abuse or neglect and follow Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures.
- All concerns about a child’s welfare—including risks of neglect, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse—must be passed on by staff, as required by law.
- Records of welfare concerns may be kept, and staff will usually discuss these with parents/carers. However, if a child is suspected to be at risk of harm, advice may be sought from other agencies without prior parental notification.
- Information is shared securely and sensitively, in line with local protocols, and only when necessary to protect children and ensure they receive appropriate support.
- Where there is reasonable cause to suspect significant harm, schools will seek advice from Social Care. Occasionally, concerns may prove unfounded, but staff act at all times in accordance with the law and in the best interests of children.
- Under Section 3(5) of the Children Act 1989, schools or any person caring for a child may take reasonable steps to safeguard or promote their welfare. On rare occasions, this may mean a child is kept in school while Social Care and the police investigate further.
Prevent is one of the four elements of CONTEST, the government’s counter-terrorism strategy (Pursue, Protect, Prepare, Prevent). Its purpose is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, including through grooming or radicalisation.
The Prevent strategy:
- Responds to the ideological challenge posed by terrorism and extremism.
- Provides practical support to prevent individuals being drawn into extremist activity.
- Works across sectors including education, justice, faith, charities, online platforms, and health services.
- Addresses all forms of terrorism, including far-right extremism and aspects of non-violent extremism.
We follow the principles outlined in Department for Education guidance. We will:
- Raise awareness of the risks posed by extremist groups and the potential impact on young people.
- Equip staff with knowledge about causes of extremism, preventative actions, and sources of advice.
- Empower pupils to build resilient communities, protecting the wellbeing of those who may be vulnerable.
- Provide guidance on managing risks and responding to incidents locally, nationally, or internationally that may affect our school community.