Building a Safeguarding Culture

Ysgol yr Holl Saint - All Saints' School  is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy which can be viewed in the policies section of our website.

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mr Richard Hatwood, Headteacher.

Our Deputy DSL is Miss Sarah Jones, Deputy Headteacher. 

Our Second Deputy DSLs are Mr Mark Szymura & Mrs Clare Coombes, Achievement and Inclusion Managers.

Our Governing Body member with a safeguarding responsibility is Mrs Jan MacDonald, Community Governor.

All members of the safeguarding team can be contacted via the main school office.

Our Whole-School Approach to Safeguarding

We believe that effective safeguarding goes beyond policies and procedures. It is reflected in the relationships we build, the learning experiences we provide and the support available to children and families.

Our safeguarding arrangements are supported by clear policies, established reporting procedures, regular staff professional learning and effective leadership oversight. All staff understand their responsibility to recognise potential concerns, respond appropriately and share information through the school's safeguarding procedures.

We use MyConcern, our safeguarding recording and monitoring system, to ensure that concerns are recorded, reviewed and followed up by designated members of staff. Our Governing Body provides additional oversight through safeguarding reviews and audits.

Above all, we want every pupil to know that their voice matters, that their worries will be taken seriously and that there are trusted adults in school who will listen and help.

Helping Pupils Understand How to Keep Safe

Developing pupils' knowledge, confidence and skills to keep themselves and others safe is an important part of our Curriculum for Wales.

Through the Health and Well-being Area of Learning and Experience, Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), assemblies, circle time and everyday learning experiences, children develop an age-appropriate understanding of:

• Healthy friendships, positive relationships and mutual respect.

• Personal safety, consent and appropriate boundaries.

• Recognising bullying, discrimination and harmful behaviour.

• Understanding emotions and developing resilience.

• Staying safe online and using digital technology responsibly.

• Recognising unsafe situations and knowing when to seek help.

• Respecting diversity, challenging prejudice and recognising harmful influences, including the risks associated with radicalisation and extremism.

These important messages are reinforced throughout school life, helping pupils to develop the confidence to make informed decisions and speak to trusted adults when they have concerns.

Online Safety and Digital Wellbeing

Online safety is embedded throughout our curriculum and wider safeguarding provision. We recognise the importance of preparing pupils to navigate an increasingly digital world safely, confidently and responsibly.

Through classroom learning, assemblies, Safer Internet Day, digital activities and discussions, pupils learn about cyberbullying, online grooming, inappropriate content, harmful communication, protecting personal information and maintaining a positive digital identity.

Our school uses appropriate filtering and monitoring arrangements to provide additional protection when pupils access digital technologies. We also work closely with parents and carers to promote consistent online safety messages between home and school.

Our aim is to develop digitally resilient learners who understand online risks, make responsible choices and know how to seek support.

Positive Relationships and Preventing Bullying

We are committed to creating a school community where kindness, respect and positive relationships are actively promoted and where bullying and discriminatory behaviour are challenged.

Our KiVa anti-bullying programme provides a whole-school approach to preventing and responding to bullying. Through regular learning activities, discussions and pastoral support, pupils develop their understanding of the impact of bullying, the importance of respectful behaviour and their responsibility to support others.

Our School Council, Senedd yr Ysgol, has contributed to developing a pupil-friendly version of our Anti-Bullying Policy, helping children understand their rights, responsibilities and the support available to them.

Clear reporting arrangements ensure that concerns can be shared with staff and addressed appropriately. Our focus is on prevention, early intervention and maintaining a positive environment where every child feels safe and included.

Emotional Health, Wellbeing and Therapeutic Support

Supporting pupils' emotional health and wellbeing is central to our safeguarding culture. Our Behaviour & Engagement Manager works closely with pupils, families, teachers and safeguarding leaders to identify emerging needs, coordinate support and ensure continuity of care.

Through our partnership with Action for Children, we provide access to a specialist school therapist for four days each week. This provision supports pupils with a range of emotional, social and wellbeing needs, including those who may have experienced trauma, loss, anxiety or other difficult circumstances.

Therapeutic support complements our wider pastoral provision by helping pupils to understand and manage their emotions, build resilience, develop positive relationships and strengthen their confidence.

Our staff also benefit from professional learning in trauma-informed approaches, enabling them to respond sensitively to children's individual experiences and needs.

We use pupil wellbeing information, including PASS surveys, alongside staff observations and pastoral discussions to help identify children who may benefit from additional support.

Working Together with Families and Specialist Services

We recognise that safeguarding is most effective when schools, families and specialist professionals work together. We maintain strong partnerships with Wrexham Children's Services, Action for Children, NSPCC Outreach Workers, the School Police Liaison Officer and other relevant agencies.

These partnerships enable us to access specialist advice, provide coordinated support and respond appropriately to children's changing needs. Our school participates in multi-agency meetings and works closely with families to ensure that children requiring additional support receive a consistent and sensitive response.

We place considerable importance on positive, trusting relationships with parents and carers and encourage families to contact school whenever they have concerns about a pupils' safety or wellbeing.

A Skilled and Vigilant School Team

Safeguarding professional learning is a priority for all staff and governors. Our team undertakes appropriate child protection and safeguarding training, including learning relating to the Prevent Duty, online safety, domestic abuse, sexual violence and recognising signs of abuse or neglect.

Regular safeguarding scenarios and discussions within staff meetings help reinforce professional responsibilities, strengthen awareness of emerging risks and maintain consistent practice. Our safeguarding policies and procedures are reviewed regularly, while our Governing Body provides challenge and oversight to ensure that safeguarding remains a central priority.

Our Commitment to Every Pupil

At All Saints' School, safeguarding is not simply a statutory responsibility; it is an essential part of our school culture and Christian ethos.

We want every pupil to feel safe, respected, included and confident that their voice will be heard. By combining high-quality pastoral care, preventative education, trusted relationships, specialist support and effective safeguarding procedures, we work to ensure that every pupil can learn, grow and thrive.

Resources for Parents/Carers and Pupils

Online Safety

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk

Staying Safe from Harm

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule

Child Line Resources

https://www.childline.org.uk

Bullying

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/bullying-and-cyberbullying