St. Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary, York is committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare. We expect all staff, governors, volunteers, and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment. It is our willingness to work in a safe manner and challenge inappropriate behaviour.  The aim of the information in this leaflet is to ensure that all staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors are aware of and undertake their responsibility to promote and help protect our children from significant harm.

Guidelines for all visitors, including contractors

All visitors and contractors coming into the school must report and sign in at the School Office and collect a visitor’s badge before they go anywhere else on the school site. The visitors badge must be worn at all times while on the school premises. In the case of visiting professionals’ a letter or assurance and/or evidence of a valid DBS alongside proof of identification must be shown.  If this evidence is not provided advice will be sought from the Headteacher. By signing in at St. Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary, York.  you are agreeing to follow the advice within this leaflet.

All safeguarding staff can be contacted via reception. For further guidance, our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found on the school website or in the School Office. 

Safeguarding guidance

Adults visiting or working on the school site play an important part in the life of the school. You play a part in keeping our pupil’s safe whilst working at, or visiting the school and we ask you to follow these guidelines:

  • Do not initiate verbal contact with pupils unless it is appropriate and a part of the agreed reason for your visit.
  • Do not initiate physical contact with any pupils unless it is part of the agreed visit and authorised by the Headteacher. 
  • Do not use any mobile devices whilst on site including, phones and Ipads. 
  • Do not take any photographs or videos whilst on the school site.
  • Do not give any personal information to pupils, such as your mobile number, email

address, address or social networking information.

  • If a pupil makes a disclosure to you, do not promise confidentiality.
  • Do not discuss your concerns with the pupil, and do not carry out an investigation.

If there is any reason to suspect that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer significant harm, staff, visitors and contractors must inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Helen Keith or the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Lisa Hargreaves, Gemma Thomas and  Catherine Quinn. 

Concerns may also be raised with the school’s governor for safeguarding, Father Daniel Seward. All safeguarding staff can be contacted via the School Office.

Whistleblowing

We have a whistleblowing policy that protects staff members/ visitors who report colleagues they believe are doing something wrong or illegal, or who are neglecting their duties.  In case an individual wishes to raise a concern, please see details below of school staff: Helen Keith (Headteacher). In the case of an issue where an individual does not feel comfortable raising concerns to the Headteacher or Local Governing Body, the individual should contact the CEO of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust at [email protected]  If the concern is about the CEO, then the first point of contact should be the Chair of the Trust’s Board: Chair of the Board [email protected] 

Fire & Evacuation

If you hear the fire alarm which is a loud continuous bell you must leave the building by the nearest exit. The fire assembly point is either side of the Multi Use Games Area in the centre of the school playground. You must not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so. If you discover a fire, please immediately press the nearest fire alarm button and tell a member of staff.

Lockdown 

According to the location of the threat, our school may employ two different levels of Lockdown: Partial Lockdown (level 2) or Full Lockdown (level 1). This is signalled by a long continuous bell sound. 

If you hear the lockdown signal (a long bell sound) or are told that a lockdown is in progress:

  • Follow the instructions of the nearest member of staff.
  • Move to the nearest suitable safe location and remain there.
  • Keep away from doors and windows and remain quiet.
  • Silence your mobile phone.
  • If you are with pupils, stay with them and follow staff instructions.
  • Do not leave the building or move around the school unless instructed to do so.
  • Remain in place until the school gives the official all-clear.

Please do not:

  • Attempt to investigate the situation.
  • Open doors to people unless instructed by an authorised member of staff.
  • Contact parents/carers to arrange collection during the lockdown unless directed by the school.

Staff will provide further instructions when it is safe to do so. If you have any questions about these procedures, please speak to the school office before entering the site.

Health & Safety

Contractors must ensure that they are fully conversant with the safety rules and regulations to be observed by contractors working on site. As a visitor to our school, it is essential that you follow any health and safety guidelines that may apply. By doing so, you will assist us in meeting the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Smoking and Vapes 

St. Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School operates a no smoking policy. Please do not smoke anywhere on

the school site. 

Allergies

Please be aware that we ask all pupils, staff and visitors not to consume food which contains nuts whilst on the school premises. Any supply / agency staff must provide a certificate of training related to Anaphylaxis Training.