Safeguarding

Notre Dame ensures that young people learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Students 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. Notre Dame 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 young person. Notre Dame Catholic College is committed to the principles of Working Together to Safeguard Children which states that a ‘child centred approach is fundamental to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child.

A child centred approach means keeping the child in focus when making decisions about their lives and working in partnership with them and their families. ’ The following statement is provided to parents/carers so they are aware of the school’s responsibilities: ‘Notre Dame Catholic College 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 child protection concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carers of its need to make a referral.

However, sometimes the school can in certain circumstances share information without the consent of the family and may be advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter or make enquires. 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 young person and family