All children have the right to be protected from harm.  This right is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child.  The United Kingdom has accepted this right and has developed legislation that allows professionals to intervene if they are concerned about the kind of care a child is receiving.

St Paulinus takes its responsibility to safeguard children seriously. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect and require all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We require all staff and volunteers to undergo background checks consummate with the role they will perform in school and recruits all staff in accordance with Safer Recruitment Guidelines.

 Are you worried about a child?

If you are worried that a child or young person under the age of 18 is at risk of neglect or abuse, it is essential that you share your concerns immediately. Your urgent action could help protect a child from harm.

Guidance on reporting can be found on the London Borough of Bexley website:

https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/health-and-social-care/social-care-for-children/reporting-concerns-about-child/worried-about-child

The guidance contains information for both members of the public and professionals on how to contact Children’s Services Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

How to contact the MASH by telephone:

Daytime hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm):
020 3045 5440.

Out of hours (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday and 24 hour cover at weekends):
020 8303 7777 or 020 8303 7171.

Full contact details and reporting information are set out on the London Borough of Bexley website.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – managing allegations of abuse made against somebody who works with children in Bexley

Bexley has a statutory duty to effectively manage allegations against people who work with children under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 and this is further highlighted in Working Together to Safeguard Children, the London Child Protection Procedures and the Department of Education guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) manages allegations against professionals and volunteers who are involved with children.

The LADO must be contacted without delay and within one working day in respect of all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child;
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or
• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.

Contact details

The LADO in Bexley is:

Edward Snelgar
LADO and Safer Organisations Advisor
Bexley Council
Civic Offices
2 Watling Street
Bexleyheath
Kent DA6 7AT

Tel: 0203 045 3436 (LADO Team)
Tel: 0203 045 5645 (Business Support)
Tel: 0203 045 5440 (MASH)

Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. is the Safeguarding Partnership for Children and Young People

Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. is a statutory multi-agency partnership which brings together the key organisations that collectively hold responsibility for safeguarding children and young people in Bexley. In line with statutory guidance (Working-together-to-safeguard-children), the partnership replaced Bexley Safeguarding Children’s Board in October 2018.

Bexley Safeguarding Partnership for Children & Young People | Bexley LSCB