St Matthew's C of E School recognises the importance it gives to all pupils' welfare and safeguarding.
The Children's Act 2004 states: Every Child Matters
All children have the right to:
• Stay Safe
• Be Healthy
• Enjoy and Achieve
• Achieve Economic Well-being
• Make a Positive Contribution
The school takes safeguarding very seriously. We have a signing in book for all people who enter the building, and badges for visitors. There are key-pads on the entrance and junior exit doors, and the playground is fenced and padlocked, as is the path to the dining hall. We also have a new fire alarm system, and encourage visits from local fire services and PSCO to talk to the children about topical issues/occurances. Our School Visits Co-ordinator works alongside Kym Allan (our Health and Safety consultants) to complete risk assessments. Furthermore, we have a filtering system set up by Cumbria County Council, and parents/carers fill in a consent form at the start of the year allowing the use of children’s images/names to be used on the school website.
At St Matthew's C of E School, Every Child really does Matter. Staff in school are in a good position to keep a watchful eye on children and their safety, and to protect them from harm.
If staff have concerns, they have a duty to inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Safeguarding and Child Protection.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Miss H Harrison (Headteacher)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads: Mrs K Johnston and Mrs L Harrison
Governor Safeguarding Officer: Mrs P Sanderson (Nominated Governor)
Out of hours contact: head@stmatthews.cumbria.sch.uk (Headteacher)
Click on the links below to visit these online safety websites.