Safeguarding Children
At St Swithun’s School we are committed to ensuring the safety and care of all our children.
If you think a child is in immediate danger
don’t delay.
Call the police on 999
or call the
NSPCC on 0808 800 5000
straight away.
The Governing Board and staff of St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School recognise that children have a fundamental right to be protected from harm and that pupils cannot learn effectively unless they feel safe and secure.
The Governing Board will, therefore, ensure the school environment and culture promotes self-confidence, a feeling of worth and the knowledge that pupils’ concerns will be listened to and acted upon.
Our Safeguarding Team will listen to any concerns you have about members of our school community in a confidential manner.
Our Safeguarding Team consists of:
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Jennifer Verhiest (Headteacher)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Shireen Hawkins (Family Support Officer)
Designated Safeguarding Officers:
Matthew Dunn (Acting Deputy Headteacher)
Sarah Haynes (SENDCO)
Rachel Hodell (Year 3/4 Teacher)
Debbie Horton (Pre-School Deputy Manager)
The MASH is a team including Police, Health, Education, Children’s Social Care and Safeguarding, Probation, Adult Social Care, Mental Health and others. The benefit is that they can quickly share information and make decisions as to the required level of intervention. All colleagues and the public will contact MASH in the same way on 02392 688793 or 0845 671 0271 and the team are situated in the Civic Offices.
Worried about yourself or a friend
If you’re worried about something that’s happening to you or to a friend, there are a lot of people who can help you. Please visit the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership to find out what to do.
Worried about a child
If you are concerned that a child or young person has suffered harm, neglect or abuse, please contact Portsmouth Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on the phone number below who can discuss this with you:
You can contact the MASH during office hours on either 02392 688793 or 0845 671 0271 or email: [email protected]
If it is during out of Office hours (5pm -8am weekdays, weekends and bank holidays) the number is: 03005 551373.
If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call the Police on 999.
Further Information about Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE guidance)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education – 2022
- Keeping Children Safe in Education – parent/carer guide
- Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership
- HIPS Safeguarding Procedures Manual
- St Swithun’s esafety page
- Protecting Children from Radicalisation
Useful Telephone Numbers
Portsmouth Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 02392 688793 or 0845 671 0271
- Police 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergency
- NSPCC 0808 800 5000
- Childline 0800 1111