The Head Teacher is: Mr A Williams

The Chair of Governors is: Mrs J Simm

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection is: Mr A. Williams

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are: Mrs C Yates and Mrs C McGivern

The nominated Safeguarding / Child Protection Governor is:

Mrs K Nelson

Our 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.

The school ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.

The school also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate child protection concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carers of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school can in certain circumstances share information without the consent of the family and may be advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter or make enquires. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the child.

The school will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child and family.

If you are concerned about the safety or well-being of a child or adult and wish to seek advice or make a referral, you can contact CARELINE on 0151 233 3700.

Operation Encompass

In conjunction with Merseyside Police, Emmaus School is involved in an initiative called Operation Encompass. The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic abuse incident. Following such an incident, children can arrive at school distressed, upset, worried and unprepared. Operation Encompass aims to ensure that appropriate school staff (called Key Adults) are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe and included.

At Emmaus School our Key Adult is Liz Kelly (Designated Safeguarding Lead).

This is a valuable initiative that means we can continue to support and help children and families within our school community when they need it the most.

You can find our more by visiting www.operationencompass.org or by contacting our Key Adult.

Please also see SEN and Disability and Mental Health Resources.