Safeguarding at Stanley School

Our Commitment

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility at Stanley School. We consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. 

Safeguarding means:

• Providing help and support as soon as problems emerge

• Protecting children from maltreatment, including online

• Preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health

• Ensuring children grow up with safe and effective care

• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

Our Approach

Our staff are in a position to identify concerns early, provide help for children, promote children's welfare and prevent concerns from escalating. All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn.

Key Safeguarding Systems

• All staff are aware of our safeguarding systems, including:

• Child protection policy

• Behaviour policy

• Staff behaviour policy (code of conduct)

• Safeguarding response to children absent from education

• The role and identity of our designated safeguarding lead and deputies 

Staff Training

All staff receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training (including online safety) at induction. The training is regularly updated, and all staff receive safeguarding updates at least annually. 

Reporting Concerns

Any staff member who has concerns about a child's welfare follows our established processes and contacts our designated safeguarding lead. 

This summary is based on Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, statutory guidance from the Department for Education. 

Please note the above is a summary of our policy and procedure in relation to safeguarding, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and local safeguarding practices. The full policy can be accessed below.

Please download here.

What to Do If You're Worried About a Child

If you're a parent, carer or member of the public

If a child is in immediate danger

📞 Call 999 immediately

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police straight away.

If you have concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing

1. Contact us at school

During school hours:

• Speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead: Holly Barker
• Or contact our Deputy DSL: Ritu Hulme, Louise Wharton or Katie Walsh
• Call the school office: [Phone number]
• Email: safeguarding@stanley.wirral.sch.uk

We will:

• Listen to your concerns
• Take them seriously
• Decide on the appropriate next steps
• Keep you informed where appropriate

2. Contact Children's Social Care

If you cannot reach us, or if you prefer to contact them directly:

Wirral Children's Social Care Integrated Front Door:

• Phone: 0151 606 2008 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
• Out of hours: 0151 677 6557.
• Online: https://www.wirralsafeguarding.co.uk/concerned-about-a-child/

3. Contact the NSPCC

If you're unsure what to do or need advice:

NSPCC Helpline:

• Phone: 0808 800 5000
• Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
• Available 24/7

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I'm not sure if it's serious enough?
A: It's always better to share a concern. We'd rather you told us, and it turned out to be nothing, than not tell us and a child could be at risk.

Q: Will the family know I reported them?
A: We handle all concerns sensitively and confidentially. We may need to speak to the family, but we won't necessarily say who raised the concern.

Q: What if I'm wrong?
A: You won't get in trouble for raising a genuine concern. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Q: Can I report anonymously?
A: Yes, you can contact the NSPCC or Children's Social Care anonymously if you prefer.

Remember

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

• You don't need to be certain – concerns are enough.
• You don't need to investigate – that's our job.
• Early help can prevent problems from getting worse.
• Your concern could help keep a child safe.

If in doubt, speak out.