Safeguarding

We all have a responsibility to keep children safe: at home; in our neighbourhoods; in clubs and organisations; at school; in cyber-space.  In school all staff have an obligation to act when they have concerns about neglect, abuse, extremism or exploitation.  Sometimes a child may make a disclosure to a member of staff; at other times the school may be contacted by another parent; a concerned relative; a social care professional; a health care professional; another school; the police. The school has a duty to act upon any disclosure and has a clear policy for dealing with Child Protection.  

There is a Designated Lead for Child Protection: Mr Phillip Maxfield.  St Joseph’s has a Deputy Designated Leads: Miss Michaela Dillon, Mrs Susan Chisholm and Mrs Heidi Caller

All staff members undergo training in Child Protection, First Aid, PREVENT and other relevant initiatives.  The children receive age-appropriate guidance about keeping safe in a variety of ways: RE lessons, PSHE lessons, assemblies, Computing lessons, and counselling sessions from a Brentwood Catholic Children's Society Social Worker.

St Joseph’s works very closely with Essex County Council for safeguarding and staff members attend associated training. The school is committed to following the SET Procedures that apply in Southend, Thurrock and Essex - ESCB - Safeguarding Policies & Procedures