He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

Psalm 91

The Local Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people,

and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All members of staff and the wider school community should be able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice and feel confident any concern will be taken seriously by the school leadership team. We have ‘whistleblowing’ procedures in place and these are available in the school Whistleblowing Policy.

However, for any member of staff who feels unable to raise concerns internally, or where they feel their concerns have not been addressed, they may contact the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline on: 0800 028 0285 (line is available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday) or by email at: help@nspcc.org.uk.

If you are concerned that a child or young person is at risk of abuse, or is being abused, contact the 24 hour NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 or email:help@nspcc.org.uk

The NSPCC helpline can offer advice and guidance, and follow up on your concerns with the appropriate channels on your behalf (anonymously if you prefer).  If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

The DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) at St Joseph's is our Acting Headteacher Mrs. Samantha Golding.  

The DSL can be contacted in this capacity via the email address samgolding@st-josephs-dovercourt.essex.sch.uk 

At St Joseph's we have two Level 3 trained Deputy DSL's: Mrs Gill Colley and Mrs May Dixon, they can be contacted via the school office.

Speak out, Stay safe! NSPCC

Speak out Stay safe is a safeguarding programme for children aged 5- to 11-years-old. It is available to all primary schools in the UK and Channel Islands. It helps children understand:

• abuse in all its forms and how to recognise the signs of abuse
• that abuse is never a child’s fault and they have the right to be safe
• where to get help and the sources of help available to them, including our Childline service.
• At St Joseph's all children participate in Speak out, Stay safe lessons as part of the SMILE curriculum
• Parents/ carers are notified in writing prior to the lessons taking place and are encouraged to share their children's learning