Safeguarding

Incorporating safeguarding into our curriculum helps to raise children’s awareness of their rights, develop their understanding of personal safety, and equip them with the skills to protect themselves and seek help when needed. Our PSHE curriculum covers all areas of Safeguarding through each of the strands to a different degree; however some go into more detail. We are sensitive in our teaching and recognise that some more sensitive subjects need to be taught at an age-appropriate level, or at a small group or 1:1 level where a more urgent need arises.

We plan to constantly challenge children to think deeply about safeguarding matters and their own personal physical and mental wellbeing. We value pupils’ questions and give them space for their own thoughts, ideas and concerns. We give them opportunities across the curriculum to explore values, personal rights, responsibilities and equal opportunities that develop moral concepts that impact positively on safeguarding, promote British values and prevent radicalisation and extremism.

Here are some ways in which safeguarding is addressed at St Winifred’s:

Our Curriculum:
Our broad curriculum gives pupils opportunities to experience life in all its diversity, to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that significantly impact on personal development, behaviour and welfare and equips every child with the knowledge and skills required for personal safeguarding. A few examples: Religion- Individual liberty and persecution of those who speak out against injustice; Science- the dangers of electricity; body anatomy; safety during experiments; History- learning from the past e.g. The Holocaust; prejudice; tolerance and respect; PE- the importance of looking after our physical health; drugs, alcohol and tobacco; English: Key texts on stranger danger; road/rail safety.

Personal, Social, Health, and Emotional (PSHE) Education:
We follow the Jigsaw scheme of work. Weekly PSHE lessons provide opportunities to teach children about personal safety, healthy relationships, self-esteem, and respect for others. It covers topics such as online safety, bullying prevention, consent, and emotional well-being. We have regular visits from the school nursing team.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE):
We follow the Salford Diocese Ten:Ten Life to the full scheme. RSHE lessons are designed to help children understand healthy relationships and what constitutes unhealthy relationships (Domestic Violence), consent, and their bodies. These lessons emphasise the importance of respect, boundaries, and understanding feelings.

Mental Health:
We have a team of trained youth mental health first aiders and adult mental health first aiders which raise the profile of mental health at St Winifred’s. Mental health awareness week as well as regular assemblies ensure children and well equipped at safeguarding their mental health.

Internet Safety and Digital Literacy:
With the increasing use of technology, teaching children about online safety becomes essential. At St Winifred’s our computing programme of study includes lessons on responsible internet use, safe social media practices, cyberbullying prevention, and digital footprint awareness. Regular reminders on our weekly newsletter to parents and links on the website ensure that parents and carers can support their child with E – Safety. (see Computing curriculum for further information).

Anti-Bullying Initiatives:
St Winifred’s incorporate anti-bullying programs and initiatives into the curriculum to raise awareness about different forms of bullying and strategies for prevention. This includes fostering a positive school climate, teaching empathy, conflict resolution, and providing clear reporting mechanisms. We celebrate anti-bullying week every year as a whole school. We update our website and learning platform to include information for both children and parents on antibullying. Our anti-bullying working party usually lead our anti bullying campaigns throughout the year.

Child Protection Education:
Children are taught about their rights, including the right to be safe and protected from harm. They learn how to identify trusted adults, understand boundaries, and recognise inappropriate behaviour. We also invite external professionals, such as police officers, PCSOs, NSPCC, Caritas and other agencies, to deliver talks and workshops. Children are taught about sexual harassment through the NPSCC Pantasaurus as well as through the PSHE curriculum.

Behaviour and Ethos:
St Winifred’s has a clear and well understood behaviour policy in which our core values of being Rooted in Love – of God and each other, Growing in Wisdom – embracing learning with joy and purpose and Building Community – creating a place of respect, forgiveness, and belonging.
This culture of Growing together in God’s Love, ensures that children and staff are inclusive and foster a culture of ‘ safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility’
Health and Safety: St Winifred’s ensures children cover basic health and safety principles, including fire safety (visit from local fire service), road and rail safety, poolside and water safety through swimming and first aid. Children learn how to identify potential risks, make informed decisions, and take appropriate action to protect themselves and others. Stanger danger is addressed through PSHE lessons.

Pastoral Support:
We have a dedicated pastoral worker (Miss Rolland) who works specifically with families, children and groups of children to identify and address and specific safeguarding needs. We have strong links with outside charities and agencies to ensure our children’s needs are met.
We have developed an open and safe learning environment in which pupils express their views, seek help and help others; they make use of our worry box to share concerns with staff. The promotion of equality of opportunity and diversity, for pupils and staff, helps prevent any form of direct or indirect discriminatory behaviour. Our children learn to not tolerate any prejudiced behaviour. Our behaviour policy promotes making good choices and exhibiting good learning behaviours. British Values are celebrated regularly through assemblies and children are taught how to identify British Values in school.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Duffy
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads: Mrs Bird, Miss Wildgoose, Miss Rolland, Mr Hanvey and Mrs Kendry
Safeguarding Governor: Ms Christian Ostmeier
Attendance and Pastoral Lead: Miss Rolland
Educational Visits Coordinators: Mrs Duffy