Harrytown Catholic High School

Safeguarding

At Harrytown Catholic High School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where all pupils feel valued, respected and able to speak openly about their concerns. Our duty is both moral and statutory: to protect children from harm, promote their welfare, and ensure they receive the right support at the right time. This aligns with national guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

We work to ensure that all children:

  • Are protected from maltreatment and neglect
  • Grow up in safe and effective care
  • Are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes
  • Feel safe, secure, and listened to within school

Child protection is part of our safeguarding processes, focusing on children who are suffering or are at risk of significant harm.

Our Safeguarding Team

A clear safeguarding structure helps children and families know who to approach. At Harrytown Catholic High School we have a number of staff who pupils and parents may contact if they have a safeguarding concern:

  • Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs Garratt, Deputy Headteacher
  • Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) is Miss Cullen, Assistant Headteacher
  • Our Pastoral Managers are also DDSLs

How We Safeguard Pupils

Our safeguarding approach includes:

  1. A Whole‑School Safeguarding Culture
  • All staff are trained regularly in safeguarding and child protection
  • Staff are alert to signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, mental health concerns, and sexual harassment
  • We promote positive, respectful behaviour and safe relationships
  1. Early Help & Multi‑Agency Working

We work with local partners and agencies to ensure pupils receive early support when concerns arise.

Pastoral Support

As part of our strong pastoral model, pupils can access:

  • Form Tutors
  • Heads of Year
  • Pastoral Managers
  • Any member of staff they feel able to talk to
  1. Online Safety & Prevent Duty

We teach pupils how to stay safe online and recognise risks including radicalisation, cyberbullying, grooming, and exploitation. Our approach is consistent with Keeping Children Safe in Education requirements and the Prevent Duty.

Operation Encompass

We also participate in Operation Encompass to ensure timely support for pupils affected by domestic abuse.

What To Do If You’re Worried About a Child

If you have concerns that a child is at risk of harm, neglect, or abuse:

  1. Contact the school’s DSL immediately
  2. If out of school hours or in an emergency, call 999 or the local authority Children’s Services, you can find more information here
  3. Children and parents can also access national support services such as Childline or the NSPCC

Policies

You can access these key policies:

Support for Families and Pupils

You may find these links useful

You can also access our Safer Social Networking booklet for parents here.

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