What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means:
• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Our Safeguarding Team

• Designated Teacher for Child Protection - Mr Christopher Nesbitt
• Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection - Mrs Joanne Gilmore
• Chairperson of the Board of Governors - Rev Philip Bryson
• Designated Governor for Child Protection - Mrs Helena Thompson

Safeguarding at Queen Elizabeth II Primary School

At Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, the health, safety and well-being of every child is our paramount concern. Our aim is that children will enjoy their time as pupils in this school in a safe and secure environment where they are protected. We listen carefully to our children and take seriously what they tell us.

Our school has a Child Protection Policy that follows the Department of Education's guidelines for any action which has to be taken to safeguard or promote the welfare of our children. We have legal duty to work with other agencies to protect children from harm and respond to abuse.

Pastoral Support at Queen Elizabeth II Primary School

At Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, the wellbeing and welfare of every child is at the heart of all we do. Our staff work closely together and in partnership with parents to ensure that each pupil feels safe, supported, and valued throughout their time at school.

We encourage parents to share any concerns—no matter how small—with their child’s class teacher in the first instance. Early communication often helps prevent potential problems and ensures that children receive the right support at the right time. The Principal is also available to meet with parents to discuss any matters of concern, and we recommend making an appointment if a longer conversation is needed.

Clear procedures for safeguarding and child protection are displayed throughout the school and regularly communicated to families via newsletters and school literature. We are committed to maintaining a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

To support this, we offer a range of pastoral programmes, including:

• Nurture Groups for children who benefit from additional emotional support in a small, caring setting
• Peer Mentoring and Buddy Systems to help pupils build friendships and confidence
• Wellbeing Workshops focused on resilience, self-esteem, and managing emotions
• Check-In Zones where children can speak to a trusted adult or access quiet spaces when needed
• Collaboration with external agencies to provide specialist support when required

These initiatives are designed to ensure that every child feels heard, respected, and equipped to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.