Safeguarding
“Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.”
At St. Matthew's, the safety and wellbeing of our children is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive and flourish.
We follow a robust safeguarding strategy that complies with statutory guidance and reflects best practice in education. Our staff are well-trained, vigilant and responsive, working together to keep every child safe from harm.
What safeguarding means to us?
Safeguarding at St. Matthew’s includes:
Protecting children from abuse and neglect
Ensuring children grow up in safe and caring environments
Promoting children’s health, wellbeing and development
Supporting mental health and emotional resilience
Equipping children with the skills to keep themselves safe, online and offline
Our approach is proactive, child-centred and regularly reviewed.
Safeguarding in Action
Our Annual Safeguarding Plan ensures all key areas are covered throughout the school year. It includes:
For Staff:
Weekly safeguarding bulletins and refresher training
Bitesize CPD sessions on child-on-child abuse, bullying, trauma, CSE, online safety, gang culture, and more
Termly safeguarding team meetings and staff safeguarding questionnaires
Specialist training for new staff using CES materials
For DSLs:
Half-termly audits and CPOMS quality assurance checks
Attendance at Trust network events, DSL refresher training, and termly strategic reviews with governors
Annual submission of safeguarding audits and plans
For Governors:
Annual safeguarding refresher training and KCSIE updates
Pupil voice monitoring and parental feedback reviews
Link Governor forums and termly strategy visits
For Pupils:
Anti-Bullying Week, NSPCC assemblies, and PANTS are Private sessions
Safer Internet Day and e-safety workshops
Pupil safeguarding surveys and Year 6 workshops on public transport and safety
For Parents & Carers:
Annual safeguarding overview published on the website
Mental health & online safety workshops (cluster-led)
E-safety parent sessions led by West Yorkshire Police (PCOS)
Acceptable use agreements and termly safeguarding updates from the Headteacher
Click below to view our full Safeguarding Plan 2025–26
Here is our safeguarding policy 2025-2026
Who to Contact
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
DSL: Mr Graham
Deputy DSLs: Mrs Molloy (Deputy Head), Mrs Jones (Learning Mentor), Mrs Van Dam (SENDCO), Miss Adams (School Business Manager)
Tel: 0113 268 1489
If you believe a child is at immediate risk, please the police without delay.
Useful Links
