St Mark’s CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this common commitment.

Safeguarding Statement

St Mark’s CE Primary School recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils.  We endeavor to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.  We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. Child protection forms part of the school’s safeguarding responsibilities. 

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Miss Vicky Ellis - Headteacher (Lead DSL). 

Mrs Liz Watson – School Business Manager (Deputy DSL)

Mrs Nicola Smith - Senior Teacher (Deputy DSL)

The school pays full regard to Department for Education statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education - September 2023.' We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the school who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult, including volunteers and staff employed by contractors.  Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, checking previous employment history and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job.  It also includes undertaking in-depth interviews and conducting DBS checks.

For any ongoing concerns about the safety of a child or young person, you can report directly to Children’s Services in Hampshire between 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday on 0300 555 1384, or 0300 555 1373 if out of hours.

If you have a concern regarding someone who works with children, please contact the Headteacher in the first instance to discuss your concerns. Alternatively, you can contact the Local Area Designated Officer (LADO) on 01962 876364.

If your complaint is about the Headteacher, you should contact the Chair of Governors adminoffice@st-marks.hants.sch.uk  

St Mark’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies can be found here.

Who to talk to…..

For Young People:

Children can talk in confidence on either;

• NSPCC  where they can talk to an NSPCC adviser online

• Childline on 0800 1111 – will not be listed on the telephone bill

For Adults:

Samaritans provide confidential emotional support for people, if you are worried, feel upset or confused and just want to talk. You can:

• Phone on 08457 90 90 90