Safeguarding

• Lead designated person for child protection
• Named Governor for Child Protection
• All staff have annual training for Child Protection
• Clear procedures are in place if there is suspicion of abuse

• All adults working with pupils in the school have enhanced DBS checks
• Members of the SLT and Governing Board  have completed Safer Recruitment training and prioritise safeguarding when interviewing
• An application procedure is in place for all volunteers and any involved in regulated activity are DBS checked
• All volunteers not in regulated activity are supervised by a member of staff
• The Safeguarding policy is shared with volunteers

• All visitors report to the School Reception and sign in electronically
• All visitors wear an identification sticker
• A safeguarding leaflet is given to all visitors on arrival

We create an environment in which all pupils feel they belong and feel safe, that allows all pupils to thrive as individuals and achieve their full potential. We will consistently manage behaviour through a clear and shared understanding of our behaviour policy and the procedures explained within it. Our school values, broad curriculum and pastoral care, support children to self-regulate, develop positive learning behaviours and work collaboratively. Our staff are trained in the Therapeutic Thinking approach and are committed to understanding the causes that underpin children’s behaviour, we use protective consequences and educational consequences following our clear behaviour steps, which can include suspension from school. We use a reporting system to monitor and analyse behaviour across the school, parents are informed of any concerns and we work in partnership to put intervention in place when needed.

At St Mark’s, we believe good attendance begins with a calm, safe and supportive school where pupils feel happy and ready to learn. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for children’s learning, wellbeing and long-term success. We expect pupils to attend school every day it is open, arrive on time and be ready to learn, unless there is a valid and authorised reason for absence. We work closely and respectfully with parents to promote good attendance, identify concerns early and provide support where needed. In line with Department for Education guidance, we monitor attendance carefully and will take appropriate action where absence or lateness becomes a concern, always aiming to work in partnership to ensure every child can thrive.

At St Mark’s, pupils’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our strong values-based curriculum and high-quality PSHE programme help children develop resilience, empathy, positive relationships and emotional literacy. We offer a range of pastoral support, including targeted social-skills interventions, lunchtime counselling drop-in sessions, and access to an art therapist and counsellor through the Ealing Schools Counselling Partnership. Vulnerable pupils may also be supported through places at before- and after-school clubs, providing consistency and positive routines. Where needed, we work closely with external agencies, including SAFE, to ensure children and families receive timely, coordinated support.

• Daily checks of the site are carried out before school to ensure there are no hazards
• Gates are opened in the morning at 8.45am and closed at 8.55am
• School staff are on duty in the playground before and after school
• Children are escorted to After School club at the end of the day
• Regular Fire risk assessments
• Regular fire and emergency evacuation drills are carried out
• Regular health and safety checks are carried out
• Nominated Health and Safety Governor
• Risk assessments carried out for all off site activities

• Clear policy in place.
• Medical plans in place.
• SMSA’s, Teaching Assistants, and HLTA’s are trained in First Aid.
• Minor injuries are dealt with by trained staff.
• 2 members of staff are trained in paediatric first aid.
• All staff trained in management of anaphylaxis shock and asthma.

• Personal, Social, Health Education taught across the school
• St Mark’s Values curriculum
• Keeping Safe Assemblies e.g. NSPCC
• Relationship and Sex Education
• NSPCC PANTS Campaign
• Road Safety
• Bike and Scooter Safety
• Friendship Week

Online Safety

• E-Safety Policy
• E-Safety Resources on website
• Pupils are taught how to keep safe when using the internet
• Internet Safety day
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Internet filtering by LGFL, monitoring by SECURUS
• Workshops offered to parents

In order to keep our site safe at all times, staff will be on duty at the beginning and end of the school day, parents are asked to abide by our code of conduct including not using their mobile phone on site. Any child who is not collected at the end of the school day will be looked after while the office contacts parents. Any child that is left after 4pm will be taken to our after school provision and parents my be charged. We need to know in advance if there is change to who will be collecting your child, as we will not let a child go with another adult unless we have parental permission.

Although the school carries standard insurance cover, we do not carry personal accident insurance for pupils. Parents may wish to make their own arrangements either with a separate policy or through their household policies.