Safeguarding

Safeguarding children is one of the main priorities for all staff at St Martin's.  All staff have regular training and keep abreast of current issues.  However, we realise that parents sometimes are not aware or up to date about what best to do to keep their child safe.  Parents and carers are always welcome, and encouraged, to contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead at St Martin's to discuss any issues.  We always advise parents to take care with what access they allow their children to have on the internet and to social media.  We strongly encourage clear boundaries such as not allowing children out late at night alone, not allowing children to play age inappropriate video games or to attend age inappropriate events. Also to avoid young people using their equipment in their room, unsupervised.  Below are a number of resources designed to support parents with safeguarding about some issues they may face.

Extremism and radicalisation propaganda

London based group Families Against Stress and Trauma (FAST) is a UK based organisation providing support to vulnerable families and individuals whose lives have been affected by the trauma of losing loved ones to hateful ideologies and groups. Click HERE to access their website.

Mental Health

With the increase of mental health concerns in the UK, Young Minds have put together some support for parents.  The support is relevant for all kinds of issues including self-harm: Anxiety and Phobias.  The following resources may also be helpful: The Anxious Child from the Mental Health Foundation and Worries and Anxieties from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM concerns are paramount in safeguarding children.  To learn more or to seek advice the NSPCC website offers some useful advice.

Child Sexual Exploitation

PACE (Parents Against Child Exploitation) offer support for parents who may be concerned about their child being at risk.

GUIDE AND USEFUL LINKS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but is a collection of very useful advice for students and parents about the internet use and in particular, the use of social networking apps and sites. We encourage you to look through this material and contact the school if you have any concerns. 


Visitor Information 2018-2019
Safeguarding Update for Families June 2017
Safeguarding, Hoaxes and Fake News April 2017 
Fact sheet Drama Portrayal February 2016 
Beat The Heat Staying Safe in Hot Weather Information
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 2020-2021
Safeguarding and Child Protection Addendum (Covid-19) January 2021
Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Policy 2018-2021