Safeguarding
Keeping every student safe is everyone’s responsibility. This page and accompanying links explain how we protect students and how to get help quickly.
At Ss John Fisher and Thomas RCHS we are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, valued and listened to. We have a strong safeguarding culture, robust procedures, and trained staff who act quickly on any concern.
Safeguarding includes child protection, student wellbeing, online safety, and promoting a respectful school community.
How to report a concern
Students:
Talk to your form tutor, Head of Year, or any adult you trust.
Ask to see a safeguarding team member at reception/Student Services.
You will be listened to and taken seriously.
Parents/Carers:
Email or phone the DSL/Deputy DSL.
If you prefer, contact your child’s Head of Year who will pass concerns on immediately.
We may share information with appropriate agencies to keep children safe.
Staff & Visitors:
Staff – Record and report concerns the same day via CPOMS. Speak to a DSL
Visitors – Report concern to DSL via main reception.
Worried about a child?
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
During school hours:
Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Deputy DSL using the details below. You can also call the main reception on 01282 865299.
Out of hours / weekends / holidays:
Children’s Social Care: 03001236720
Police (non-emergency): 101
NHS urgent mental health support: 111
If you’re unsure, still contact us — it’s always better to share a concern.
Key safeguarding policies (2025–2026)
All policies are reviewed annually and approved by governors/trustees.
Support and Advice
Online safety
We teach safe, respectful online behaviour through PSHE, Computer Science, PD time and assemblies – please also see our on-line safety hub
Filtering and monitoring are in place on the school network.
Mental health & wellbeing:
Students should talk to their form tutor, Head of Year, Student Services or our Wellbeing Officer – Barbara.
24/7 support: Childline 0800 1111 / Shout 85258.
Bullying and peer-on-peer abuse
Students can report any bullying or concerns through the following:
1 – Any member of staff
The Safeguarding Team
Form Tutor
Head of Year
Class Teacher
Classroom support staff
Pastoral support and attendance
Health and wellbeing support
Staff on duty wearing yellow jackets at break and lunch.
2 – Students
A friend who can then inform a member of staff
House Captains
Year 11 ambassadors
3 – Pulse
Students can use the reach out button on Pulse if they don’t feel like they can approach anyone in school directly.
4 – Student Safe
Report it in through the school website. Pupil Wellbeing – Student Safe (coming December 2025)
Prevent / radicalisation
We promote respectful discussion and challenge extremist ideas.
If you’re worried about someone, contact the DSL confidentially.
Other risks we support with: CSE/CCE, county lines, domestic abuse, substance misuse, self-harm, missing from education, and more.
Protected Characteristics
Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass is a unique police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people exposed to domestic abuse.
Being part of Encompass means our school will receive a notification from Lancashire Police before the start of the next school day when a child or young person has been involved in or exposed to a domestic abuse incident the previous day.
The information is given in confidence to the school’s Safeguarding Lead and will enable us to provide the best possible support for the child.
The Safeguarding Leads at our school are:
- Mr S Atkin (Assistant Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead)
- Miss E Gauntlett (Assistant Headteacher/SENCO & Deputy Safeguarding Lead)
- Mr D Swarbrick (Deputy Headteacher & Deputy Safeguarding Lead)
You can find more information by visiting the Operation Encompass website (www.operationencompass.org) or by contacting school and asking for any of the three staff members above.
