If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child, or are concerned that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, it is important to seek help.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999.

Waltham Forest Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is the main point of contact for concerns about the safety and welfare of children and young people in Waltham Forest.

Telephone: 020 8496 2310
Email: MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

The MASH telephone line is open:

• Monday to Thursday: 9.00am–5.15pm
• Friday: 9.00am–5.00pm
• Closed at weekends and on bank holidays

For urgent concerns outside normal office hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team:

Telephone: 020 8496 3000

Waltham Forest Council advises that all referrals to Children's Social Care are initially dealt with by MASH.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

The LADO should be contacted when there are concerns or allegations about an adult who works or volunteers with children.

Telephone: 020 8496 3646
Email: lado@walthamforest.gov.uk

This includes concerns about school staff, volunteers, or other adults working with children.

Safeguarding in Education

The Waltham Forest Safeguarding in Education Team provides advice, guidance, training and support to schools.

Telephone: 020 8496 3646
Email: safeguardingineducation@walthamforest.gov.uk

Early Help

Waltham Forest Early Help provides support to children, young people and families where additional help may prevent difficulties from escalating.

Early Help supports families with children and young people aged 0–19, and up to 25 for young people with a disability.

For information about accessing Early Help, contact Waltham Forest MASH:

Telephone: 020 8496 2310
Email: MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

Waltham Forest Council confirms that families can self-refer for Early Help through MASH.

Adult Safeguarding

If you are concerned that an adult at risk is experiencing abuse or neglect, contact Waltham Forest Adult Social Care.

Telephone: 020 8496 3130

If someone is in immediate danger, or you believe a crime is being committed, call 999.

Waltham Forest Council has a separate safeguarding route for concerns about adults.

Prevent

If you are concerned that someone may be at risk of radicalisation or becoming involved in or supporting violent extremism or terrorism, you can contact the Waltham Forest Prevent Team.

Telephone: 020 8496 3000
Email: Prevent@walthamforest.gov.uk

If your concern relates to a child or young person, you should refer the concern to MASH:

MASH: 020 8496 2310
Out of hours: 020 8496 3000
Email: MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

For information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities:

SEND Service
Telephone: 020 8496 6503
Email: senteam@walthamforest.gov.uk

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

If you are concerned about a child or young person's mental health or emotional wellbeing, Waltham Forest provides information about local support services.

For urgent mental health support:

Waltham Forest CAMHS Emergency Line: 0300 555 1247
Open Monday to Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm.

Outside these hours:

Mental Health Direct: 0300 555 1000

If a child's life is at risk or there is an immediate medical emergency, call 999.

Domestic Abuse

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

For concerns relating to a child experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse, contact Waltham Forest MASH:

Telephone: 020 8496 2310
Email: MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

Childline

Childline provides free, confidential support for children and young people.

Telephone: 0800 1111

Childline is available 24 hours a day.

NSPCC

The NSPCC provides advice and support about child protection and safeguarding.

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Children and young people can also contact the NSPCC by texting 88858.

Police

Emergency: 999
Non-emergency: 101

If you believe a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 999.

At St Mary's Catholic Primary School

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, please speak to a member of our Designated Safeguarding Team.

You can find further information about our school's safeguarding arrangements, including our safeguarding policy and details of our Designated Safeguarding Lead, on our Safeguarding page.

If you are unsure whether a concern should be reported, please report it. It is always better to share a concern so that the appropriate professionals can consider the information and decide what action, if any, is required.