Update - Apps and keeping children safe.

Please speak to your child about which apps they use, what they use them for and how they should behave online to stay safe. 

Most of the apps will be gaming, social networking or photo sharing apps. These seem fine but their security is lax and criminals target apps used by children and young people.

To help protect your children from harassment, grooming, sexual exploitation, bullying and inappropriate sharing of material we suggest you use the links below.

The NSPCC NetAware site has a database of apps and guides for parents.

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/?order=-popularity

The CEOP site is a great place to start as a parent or child if you want resources/help with online safety. It also has a report abuse button to contact the police if you or your child feel at risk or a crime has been committed.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

Safeguarding Statement

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children.  The school requires all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. 

If you are concerned about any child in our school, you must report this to either the Designated Safeguarding Lead  Mrs R Brookes, Deputy Headteacher  Mrs L Burgess or to our Safeguarding Officer Mrs G Varley.

Communicating with Parents

‘The school ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.

The school also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the child.

The school will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child and family.’

Information for Visitors

What do I do if I’m worried about a child?

If you become concerned about:

· Something a child says

· Marks or bruising on a child

· Changes in a child’s behaviour or demeanour

You must inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead  Mrs R Brookes, Deputy Headteacher Mrs L Burgess or Mrs G Varley our Safeguarding Officer.

What do I do if a child discloses they are being harmed?

· React calmly

· Listen carefully to the child, particularly what is said spontaneously

· Do not promise confidentiality. 

Explain to the child that you may have to pass on the information if you are worried about their safety

· Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling

· Record carefully what the child says in their words, including how and when the account was given.  Record the date and time and sign the record. 

This should be immediately passed on to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.