Child Protection

The well-being of the children at St. Michael’s is very important to us.

Mrs Fay Churchill  is the designated safeguarding lead and Mrs Vicky Isted  is the deputy safeguarding lead for St. Michael’s CE Primary School (01797 280277 / dsl@playdenschool.com).

Our governor responsible for safeguarding, Mr Peter Challans, monitors our safeguarding policy and practices.

Our team is highly trained and skilled in ensuring all our students are safe. If a disclosure is made or if a member of staff or student has a concern, we follow the East Sussex County Council advice which can be found in our Safeguarding Policy.

For us it is paramount that every child in our care is safe and we do what we legally have to do to ensure that this remains the case.

Or you can contact the Single Point of Advice (SPOA).  Or call 01323 464222. You don’t need to give your name.

For serious out of hours concerns that cannot wait until the next day, contact the Emergency Duty Service on 01424 724144 or if you think a child is in immediate danger, you should call the police – 999.

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding in Practice

Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass is a Police initiative, to inform schools within 24 hours, when there has been an incident of Domestic Violence or Abuse which involves a pupil at the school. 

When the Police attend a DV/A incident, and there are children present, they will identify the children’s schools and then notify the school, via email, that the incident occurred.

The information shared with the school will be limited: no details of the incident, merely that there was an incident and that Police attended.

By informing the school of this, the school can be better equipped to support that child, whether that means additional monitoring and TLC, if they are presenting as upset, or perhaps a more generous interpretation of the behaviour and sanctions policy, if they are presenting with challenging behaviour.

School Council

School Council regularly talk about safety in school. They consider the physical environment and visitor access. They discuss who to talk to when a child feels unsafe in or out of school.

We encourage pupils to understand the importance of stable, loving relationships, respect, love, and care. We equip pupils with accurate information, positive values and the skills to enjoy healthy, safe and positive relationships.