Keeping our children safe is our number one priority!
Florence Melly Community Primary School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare and expects all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment. Everyone has a responsibility to act, without delay, to protect children by reporting anything that might suggest a child is being abused or neglected. It is our willingness to work safely and challenge inappropriate behaviours that underpins this commitment. The school seeks to work in partnership with families and other agencies to improve the outcomes for children who are vulnerable or in need.
At Florence Melly Community Primary School we strongly believe that:
‘Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.’ (Keeping Children Safe in Education).
On this page you will find information relating to how we safeguard all stakeholders at our school. We are very proud of our effective policies and procedures and these help to create a strong safeguarding culture at Florence Melly Community Primary School. This was recognised during our most recent Ofsted inspection (June 2019) and in our most recent parent/carer feedback questionnaire (March 2024):
- The school’s pastoral team provides excellent support for vulnerable pupils and their families. There is a clear and effective focus on early intervention. When concerns do arise, staff do all that they can to support pupils’ safety and welfare.
- Leaders provide regular updates for staff on safeguarding matters. Staff fully understand the school’s systems for raising any concerns they might have about a pupil’s safety or well-being.
- Safeguarding records are detailed and well maintained. Appropriate checks are made on all adults who work in school.
- Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe. Those who met with an inspector had a good understanding of e-safety. Pupils are also taught how to stay safe while out of school, for example, through the cycling course pupils in Year 5 recently completed.
- 100% of parents/carers either strongly agreed or agreed that their child feels safe at Florence Melly Community Primary School (Parent/carer questionnaire – March 2024).
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Mrs Sainsbury.
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Miss Campbell.
Our Safeguarding Team
Mrs Sainsbury can be contacted via the school office or email at: l.sainsbury@fmp.liverpool.sch.uk. Mrs Sainsbury is supported by a dedicated team of staff, who will be more than happy to help with any concerns you may have. If you need any safeguarding help or advice, please feel free to contact them.
Miss M Campbell is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and is suitably trained to deputise in Mrs Sainsbury’s absence. She can be contacted via email at: m.campbell@fmp.liverpool.sch.uk.
Our Link Safeguarding and Prevent governor is: James Kilburn. He can be contacted via: j.kilburn@fazakerleyprimary.co.uk.
Our school has also trained all members of the Senior Leadership Team to deputise for Mrs Sainsbury in her absence, such is our commitment to safeguarding our pupils.
Key Policies and Information
Please access key/statutory policies relating to safeguarding below. Should you require paper versions, please contact the school office.
Child Protection Policy – September 2024
Our Child Protection Policy follows the statutory guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding children and safer recruitment as set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024). You can access this statutory guidance by clicking this link: Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Opportunities to Teach Safeguarding
Keeping Children Safe in Education reminds us that we should ensure that children are taught about how to keep themselves and others safe, including online. In addition to our strong RSHE offer, we provide a comprehensive package of education around all things safeguarding!
We firmly believe that we play crucial role in preventative education and it is our aim to prepare our pupils for life in modern Britain; our ‘opportunities to teach safeguarding curriculum overview’ sets out how we plan to achieve this. This is an integral element of our Cultural Capital curriculum offer.
Opportunities to Teach Safeguarding Curriculum Overview
Worried or concerned about a child or young person?
If you are worried that a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse or, you are worried that a child may be at risk if suffering harm should contact the Children’s Advice & Support Service (CASS) on 0151 459 2606. If you think a child is in immediate danger call for police assistance.
Additional Advice and Guidance
If you require further advice, guidance or information about any safeguarding issue or subject. Please come into school to discuss the matter further.
Mental health support – helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk.
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk.
- The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk.
- James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/.
Safeguarding in Action at Flo Melly!
