St Mary the Virgin CE Primary is also signed up to the Operation Encompass (OpEncompass) partnership with Dorset Police – please see our Safeguarding Policy below for further details.
Our Safeguarding Statement
St Mary the Virgin CE Primary School is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, staff and visitors and promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns, which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others.
We aim to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by protecting them from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
Our first priority is your child’s welfare and we will usually discuss any concerns we might have about your child with you. There might be rare occasions, however, when we have to provide information or to consult other agencies such as Children’s Services Social Care before we contact you. Our responsibility to do so is determined by the Inter-Agency Safeguarding Procedures, which can be found on the Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
Whole School Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Jenny Williamson
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads: Mr Matt Barge and Mrs Emma Board
The Governor with responsibility for safeguarding is: Mr Colin Brooks
What is Private Fostering?
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if they are disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a ‘close relative’. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage).
To help us keep children safe and support families, all parents and private foster carers must notify their Local Council. If not, they miss out on essential welfare checks for the children, plus other support services.
These include:
Advice on claiming benefits and possible funding for some essential items
Parenting support and advice
Help in bringing families in crisis back together
If you know of a child being privately fostered please don’t ignore it. Speak to the child’s carer or contact:
If living in Dorset contact the Children’s Advice & Duty Service on:
01305 228558
In Dorset, we want every child to grow up feeling safe, loved, and happy. All children should have the best possible start in life, enjoy their childhood, and be ready to learn when they start school. Our goal is to help every child do well in school, build confidence, and have the skills they need for a bright and successful future.
All families face challenges from time to time. These might include changes in:
health
disability
money worries
relationship difficulties
housing problems
Many families manage with the support of friends, relatives, or trusted professionals.
If you have any concerns regarding your family or others please call 01305288588. Please see the webiste link above for further information.
Remember what Pantasauras says: Privates are private
If something is worrying you at home you can call Childline 0800 1111
You can also get in touch with Kooth which is a judgement-free forum to get advice, help others and share your story.
Kooth – Get free, safe and anonymous support.
Domestic Abuse
We are an Operation Encompass School which is a police and education early information safeguarding partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support to children experiencing domestic abuse.
For advice or further information please use the information and links below.
Local outreach and help lines
Dorset County – Paragon integrated domestic abuse service
Paragon work with women, men and children.
Free phone: 0800 032 5204 (Please be aware that calls to 0800 numbers may show up on itemised phone bills)
Visit: The You Trust
Email: ParagonDorset@theyoutrust.org.uk
In danger? With a simple shake or tap it activates Hollie Guard,
immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location
and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.