St Benet’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils, and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will provide and maintain a safe learning environment for our pupils, identify where there are child welfare concerns, and take appropriate action to address them in partnership and consultation with other agencies.
As a Catholic school community, we recognise that every child is created in the image and likeness of God, and we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and secure environment where all pupils can learn, grow, and flourish.
We expect all staff, governors, volunteers, and visitors to share this commitment.
Our Safeguarding Ethos
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We ensure that our school maintains an open, vigilant, and child-centered environment where pupils feel valued, listened to, and supported.
In line with statutory guidance, our staff undergo regular training to identify welfare concerns, understand legal thresholds, and take swift, effective action in partnership with families and external agencies.
Child Protection Statement:
The protection of our pupils is paramount in all aspects of school life. We listen to our pupils, take their concerns seriously, and act in their best interests at all times.
Statutory Guidance & Key Frameworks
Our safeguarding policies and procedures adhere strictly to key statutory frameworks, including:
Education Act 2002 (Section 175/157)
The protection of our pupils is the responsibility of all staff within our school, and is paramount in all areas of their education.
We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is that children will enjoy their time as pupils at this school and therefore make the best progress possible. We work in partnership with you to ensure your child achieves their full potential and makes a positive
contribution.
The procedures that we follow have been laid down by the Sunderland Safeguarding Board Procedures (SSCB) and the school has adopted a Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Policy in line with this for the safety of all. If you would like to know more about our procedures or policy, please come and speak to us.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 (Department for Education) Click here
Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE statutory guidance ) Click here
Sunderland Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) procedures and local thresholds Click here
The Prevent Duty (Guidance for schools on counter-terrorism and preventing radicalisation) Click here
The Children Act 1989 Click here
Children Act 2004 Click here
Key Areas of Safeguarding & Child Welfare
Our safeguarding practices cover a wide range of pupil welfare areas, including:
1. Online Safety & Filtering/Monitoring
In accordance with KCSIE 2026 standards, St Benet’s maintains robust technological filtering and monitoring systems to protect pupils from harmful online content. Online safety is embedded across our computing and RSHE curriculums to teach pupils how to navigate the digital world safely.
2. Early Help & Family Support
We recognise that families experience challenges. We offer early help support to identify emerging needs early and connect families with tailored support services across Sunderland.
3. Safer Recruitment
We enforce strict safer recruitment procedures when appointing staff and volunteers. This includes mandatory background checks, enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, and professional reference verification prior to starting work.
4. Low-Level Concerns & Staff Conduct
We foster a culture of openness and transparency. All staff adhere to a strict Code of Conduct, and any low-level concerns regarding adult behavior are recorded and addressed promptly in accordance with statutory guidelines.
Safeguarding Policies & Key Documents
You can view and download our core policy documents below:
What to Do If You Have a Concern
During School Hours
If you are concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing, please speak directly to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) by contacting the main school office on 0191 549 2020.
Outside School Hours or During Holidays
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
If you have an urgent safeguarding concern about a child outside of school hours, you can contact the local authority children’s social care team directly:
- Together for Children Sunderland (Integrated Safeguarding Transaction Team):📞 0191 520 5560 (Available 24/7)
- NSPCC Helpline:📞 0808 800 5000 | 📧 [email protected]
Key Safeguarding Contacts
If you have any concerns regarding the safety, wellbeing, or welfare of a child at St Benet’s, please contact a member of our Designated Safeguarding Team immediately.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs L Merrington
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Mrs A Goodwin
Chair of Governors: Mrs Y Grey