At St John's CE Primary Academy, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that helping children to feel safe, confident and valued is fundamental to their education and personal development. Safeguarding is not taught as a standalone subject; instead, it is woven throughout our curriculum, collective worship, wider enrichment opportunities and the everyday life of our school.

We recognise that keeping children safe extends far beyond physical safety. Our curriculum develops children's understanding of emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, online safety, personal responsibility and resilience, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions throughout their lives.

Creating an environment where children feel listened to is central to our safeguarding culture. We actively encourage pupils to share any worries or concerns with a trusted adult, knowing they will always be taken seriously. For children who find speaking difficult, our ‘Questions and Concerns’ Box provides another safe and confidential way to seek help and support.

Our Christian vision, values and the St John's Way behaviour curriculum underpin everything we do. From their very first days in school, children learn how to show kindness, respect and compassion towards others. They understand the importance of using kind hands, kind feet and kind words, treating others as they would wish to be treated themselves. Clear expectations for behaviour across the school, including during playtimes and lunchtimes, help children to develop self-discipline, make positive choices and contribute to a safe, calm and respectful learning environment where everyone can flourish.

Collective Worship and assemblies further reinforce these important messages. Through our five core Christian values, British Values and themed assemblies, children explore a wide range of safeguarding topics including healthy friendships, respect, equality, anti-bullying, child-on-child abuse, mental health, diversity, online safety and understanding how to seek help when they need it.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

Our PSHE curriculum is delivered through myHappymind+, an award-winning programme that supports children's mental health, emotional wellbeing and personal development.

Through the myHappymind+ curriculum, pupils develop a greater understanding of themselves and others whilst learning lifelong skills that support positive mental health, resilience and emotional regulation. The programme also covers many important safeguarding themes, including:

• recognising and understanding emotions;
• building resilience and self-esteem;
• developing healthy and respectful relationships;
• understanding personal boundaries and consent;
• identifying trusted adults and knowing when to ask for help;
• managing worries and anxiety;
• recognising unsafe situations and understanding how to respond appropriately;
• celebrating difference, kindness and inclusion.

In our Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 classes, children also take part in the NSPCC Pantosaurus programme, learning the important message that 'PANTS are Private'. This age-appropriate programme helps children understand body privacy, personal boundaries and that they should always tell a trusted adult if they are worried about anything.

Children aged 5–11 also participate in the NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe programme. Through assemblies and classroom activities, pupils learn about their right to feel safe, recognise trusted adults and understand how to speak out if they are worried about themselves or someone else.

Online Safety

Preparing children to navigate the digital world safely is an essential part of safeguarding in today's society. Technology plays an increasingly significant role in children's lives, and we believe it is vital that pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills needed to use the internet safely, responsibly and respectfully.

Online safety is taught progressively throughout the curriculum, particularly through Computing, PSHE and class discussions, and is regularly reinforced through assemblies and themed events. Our curriculum follows the national Education for a Connected World framework, enabling children to explore important areas including:

• self-image and identity;
• online relationships;
• online reputation;
• online bullying;
• managing online information;
• health, wellbeing and lifestyle;
• privacy and security;
• copyright and ownership.

Each February, the whole school takes part in Safer Internet Day, joining schools across the UK to promote positive, safe and responsible use of technology. Through workshops, lessons and assemblies, children are encouraged to think critically about their online experiences, recognise potential risks and know how to seek support whenever they need it.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At St John's CE Primary Academy, we believe that safeguarding also means preparing children for life beyond the school gates. Our commitment to enrichment ensures that pupils develop the practical knowledge, confidence and independence needed to stay safe in a wide variety of real-life situations.

Our Enrichment Policy is closely aligned with the Department for Education's Enrichment Benchmarks, ensuring every child benefits from meaningful experiences that broaden horizons and develop essential life skills.

Our wider curriculum includes a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including educational visits, walks within the local community, swimming lessons and the Bikeability cycling programme. These experiences help children to become increasingly aware of personal safety, develop road safety awareness and build confidence and independence that will support them throughout their lives.

Health and safety education is also embedded across many curriculum subjects. In Design and Technology, particularly food technology, pupils learn about food hygiene, the safe use of kitchen equipment and healthy eating. In Science, children develop an understanding of how to work safely when carrying out investigations, including learning about electricity, materials and the responsible use of scientific equipment. These practical experiences help children understand risk, make sensible decisions and develop safe working practices that they will continue to use both in school and beyond.

By embedding safeguarding throughout our curriculum and enrichment programme, we aim to ensure every child leaves St John's not only with excellent academic knowledge, but also with the confidence, resilience and practical skills to keep themselves safe, care for others and flourish as responsible citizens in an ever-changing world.