Child Protection & Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every adult working at or visiting JGHS has a legal obligation to report any welfare or protection concerns immediately.
Our Duty of Care
Child protection is about ensuring that all children are safe, healthy, nurtured and well cared for. At James Gillespie’s High School, safeguarding is a shared community responsibility — it belongs to all staff, all visitors, and all adults connected to our school.
If a Child Makes a Disclosure
If a young person discloses something to you, follow these four steps without exception:
01
Listen Attentively
Listen without interrupting. Keep your reactions neutral and provide a calm, reassuring presence.
02
Do Not Promise Secrecy
Reassure them they did the right thing, but explain clearly that you must share this information to keep them safe.
03
Record the Facts
Write down what was said as soon as possible, using the child’s exact words. Note dates, times and avoid adding opinions.
04
Report Immediately
Pass the information directly to the Child Protection Co-ordinator or a member of the Senior Leadership Team without delay.
Key Contacts
🏫
Child Protection Lead
Mr Ian Porter
Depute Head Teacher
📧 ian.porter@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
🏫
Designate Lead — Darroch Annexe
Mrs Donna MacIver
Depute Head Teacher
📧 donna.maciver@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
🆘
Urgent Out-of-Hours — Social Work
CEC Duty Team
☎ 0131 200 2324
🚔
Emergency — Police Scotland
Police Scotland
☎ 101 (non-emergency)
☎ 999 (immediate danger)
Full Policy Document
Our full Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is available below.