Safeguarding and Child Protection

Safeguarding at Roby Park

At Roby Park Primary School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to the continuous protection of our children and families and promote the ethos that: Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

There is always someone available to listen and help.

 

Who to contact

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs Kat Allen (Headteacher)
Deputy DSL: Mrs Kathy Lyon (Inclusion & SENDCo)
Safeguarding Governor: Mrs Rachel Riley

School office: 0151 477 8340

 

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

 

If you’re worried about a child

• During school hours: Speak in confidence to the DSL or Deputy DSL. You can visit the office or phone 0151 477 8340.
• Evenings, weekends and school holidays: Contact Knowsley MASH (Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub) on 0151 443 2600.
• The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) uses the same number (0151 443 2600) and responds to urgent situations that cannot wait until the next working day.
• Concerns about a member of staff: Contact the Headteacher directly.
• Concerns about the Headteacher: Contact the Chair of Governors via the school office. The concern will be managed in line with our Managing Allegations procedures.

All disclosures are treated confidentially and in line with statutory guidance.

 

Signs and symptoms of possible abuse

We expect everyone in our community to stay vigilant and report concerns to the DSL team. The four main categories are:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect

Please do not investigate yourself—share your concern with us so we can act swiftly and appropriately.

 

Our wider safeguarding priorities

In addition to the categories above, our safeguarding work also addresses:

• Prevent Duty (radicalisation and extremism)
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• Children Missing Education (CME)

Please see our Safeguarding Policies for more information and how we meet our statutory duties.

 

How to make a referral (step‑by‑step)

1. Tell us: Speak to the DSL or Deputy DSL in the first instance (visit the office or call 0151 477 8340).
2. If DSLs are unavailable: Speak to a senior member of staff so that action is not delayed.
3. Out of hours: Call Knowsley MASH/EDT on 0151 443 2600.
4. Emergency: Call 999.

 

Our safeguarding systems and culture

We maintain robust, whole‑school systems to keep children safe:

• A maintained Single Central Record for all staff, governors and volunteers, including DBS and (where relevant) prohibition checks.
• All staff read the latest ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ Part 1 and receive regular safeguarding training (induction, updates and refreshers).
• Where relevant roles require it, staff complete Childcare Disqualification declarations in line with current guidance.
• CPOMS is used to record concerns and actions; we work closely with multi‑agency partners and seek advice or make referrals when needed.
• Safeguarding is a standing item at governor, SLT and staff meetings; fortnightly senior safeguarding meetings support DSL decision‑making and case oversight.
• DSLs attend formal DSL training and keep their knowledge up to date.
• Clear safeguarding information is displayed in the office and staffroom, with posters in pupil bathrooms (“Our Safe School”).
• Our curriculum (including PSHE/RHE and online safety) promotes British Values and teaches children how to recognise risk, seek help and keep themselves and others safe.

 

Knowsley Continuum of Need

We use the Knowsley Continuum of Need to assess and respond to children’s needs:

• Level 1 – Universal: Needs met by mainstream services; low‑level need supported by a single agency.
• Level 2 – Early Help: Emerging needs (including low‑level CSE concerns) addressed via multi‑agency Early Help Assessment and Plan.
• Level 3 – Targeted: Multiple or complex needs (including medium CSE risk) met by targeted services and/or specialist assessments.
• Level 4 – Statutory/Safeguarding: Acute needs or high CSE risk requiring a statutory multi‑agency response led by Children’s Social Care.

Our aim is for all children and families to thrive at Level 1–2, with timely support to prevent escalation.

Knowsley Continuum of Need