Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers in our school has a role to play in safeguarding children.  In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all staff and other adults working (paid or unpaid) in our school will ensure their approach is child-centred.  This means that they will consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

Safeguarding includes establishing and implementing procedures to protect children from deliberate harm, however, safeguarding also encompasses all aspects of pupils’ health, safety and wellbeing. The school has a number of policies and procedures which fall under the broad ‘Safeguarding’ umbrella.

Sir John Barrow School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school – their wellbeing is paramount – and all our staff, governors and volunteers have received Child Protection training.  We have a named Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputies, who are the first point of contact in relation to concerns about a child.

All Cumbria schools, including Sir John Barrow School, follow the Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) procedures. The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents/carers about their child/ren. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with our published Child Protection Policy and procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents. The school’s child protection policy is available publicly