Child Safeguarding

Every conversation matters and what we do next matters too  

National Child Protection Week runs from 6-12 September 2026. This year’s theme, 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action', reminds us that listening to children and young people is one of the most important things adults can do but listening also needs to be followed by action.  

At St Mary’s, we want every child and young person to know that they have a voice, that there are adults who will listen, and that they can seek help when something worries them or does not feel safe.  

Start the conversation - Five conversations worth having at home  

• Who are the adults you would go to if you needed help? 
• What makes you feel really listened to? 
• Is there anywhere - in person or online - where you sometimes feel uncomfortable or unsafe? 
• What do adults sometimes misunderstand about being your age? 
• If you told me something difficult, what would you want me to do?  

When children raise a concern, adults do not need to have every answer. Staying calm, listening carefully, taking the concern seriously and helping the child access appropriate support can make an important difference.  

Child safety is a shared responsibility. By keeping conversations open and being prepared to act, families, schools and communities can work together to help children feel safe, supported, respected and heard. 

During this week RUOK Day falls on the 10th, we will wear yellow and the children will participate in activities to showcase our support.  

Liz Chapman  

Deputy Principal: Community Wellness