Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
Our Direct 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. Every adult working on or visiting our premises has a strict legal obligation to report welfare or protection concerns immediately.
What to do if a Child Makes a Disclosure
If a young person initiates a disclosure or layout of concern, follow these four foundational guidelines strictly:
Listen Attentively
Listen without interrupting. Keep your own reactions neutral and provide a calm, reassuring presence.
Do Not Promise Secrecy
Reassure them that they did the right thing, but explain clearly that you must share this information to keep them safe.
Record the Facts
Write down what was said as soon as possible. Use the child’s exact words. Note dates, times, and avoid added opinions.
Report Immediately
Pass the information directly to the Child Protection Co-ordinator or a member of the Senior Leadership Team without delay.
Critical Contacts & Report Tracking
Internal Safeguarding Leads
If you have concerns about a young person, instantly ask to speak with one of our designated leads:
- Mr Ian Porter – Depute Head Teacher & Child Protection Lead
📧 ian.porter@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk - Mrs Donna MacIver – Depute Head Teacher & Designate Lead (Darroch Annexe)
📧 donna.maciver@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
Urgent Out-of-Hours Escalation
If the concern is acute, immediate, or if you are completely unable to contact school leadership teams out-of-hours, contact external services directly:
- City of Edinburgh Council Social Work Duty Team:
☏ 0131 200 2324 - Emergency Services:
☏ Contact Police Scotland on 101 (or 999 in immediate crisis conditions)