Sarah McCourt

Safeguarding Trust Lead

My journey into the Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust marks a significant milestone in my professional life, bringing together 20 years of school-based experience with the opportunity to contribute at Trust level. Being seconded as Safeguarding Lead at the Trust’s formation in April last year was a defining moment in my career and professional development.

The Safeguarding Lead role has significantly developed my leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work collaboratively across schools and with the central team. I regularly visit all Trust schools, building strong professional relationships and gaining a clear understanding of each school’s context, while promoting a consistent and shared approach to safeguarding. A key focus has been aligning safeguarding recording and reporting across the Trust, ensuring clarity, consistency, and robust accountability in support of pupils and families.

Alongside this, I have built excellent working relationships within the central team, fully embedding myself in the formation and expansion of the Trust. As the Trust continues to grow, I have played an active role in ensuring safeguarding remains a central and consistent priority.

Working within a Catholic Trust has further shaped my approach to safeguarding and leadership. The Trust’s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching—particularly the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, and a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable—underpins my practice. Safeguarding is therefore not only a statutory responsibility, but a moral commitment to protect, support, and uphold the dignity of every child, reflecting the Trust’s mission to provide a holistic education rooted in academic excellence and faith formation.