At St Mary’s Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School, the safety and wellbeing of our children is our highest priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child in our care.

Safeguarding means protecting children from harm, abuse or neglect and ensuring they grow up in a safe, caring and supportive environment where they can learn and thrive.

Our Commitment: We work hard to ensure that

• Children feel safe, listened to, valued and respected
• Staff are well?trained and know how to recognise and respond to concerns
• Clear procedures are followed quickly and effectively if concerns arise
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

Our safeguarding arrangements follow Welsh Government guidance, Wales Safeguarding Procedures (2019) and Keeping Learners Safe (2022).

Safeguarding is overseen by trained staff and governors:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mr Darren Morris (Headteacher)

Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Mrs Jo Richards, Mrs Kay Lawrenson & Miss Nia Williams

Safeguarding link governors: Angharad Veneklaas Slots & Rachel Harris

If you have a concern, you can speak to any member of staff, who will make sure it is passed on safely and promptly.

What We Do to Keep Children Safe:

• Provide a safe and secure school environment
• Teach children how to keep themselves safe, including online safety
• Encourage children to talk to trusted adults if they are worried
• Work closely with families and external agencies when support is needed
• Follow safer recruitment procedures for all staff and volunteers
• Keep clear, confidential records and share information appropriately when necessary to protect a child

If You Have a Safeguarding Concern about a child at our school:

• Contact the school and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999

You can also contact:

Wrexham County Borough Council – Single Point of Access (SPOA)

📞 01978 292039

✉️ SPOAchildren@wrexham.gov.uk

Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team:

📞 0345 053 3116

Working Together

We believe safeguarding works best when schools, parents, carers and the wider community work together. If you have any concerns—no matter how small—please share them. You will always be taken seriously.