Cleaswell Hill School is committed to providing clear boundaries and guidelines for pupils to operate within. We create a learning environment where each pupil feels valued and respected through praise and positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviours.

All staff and visitors are responsible for creating this positive ethos and are expected to adhere to the schools values and positive behaviour policy. Staff will help to create an atmosphere of discipline through a calm, confident approach to behaviour support. Classes and groups identify, alongside the pupils, rules to ensure that everyone is able to learn in a safe environment.

Weekly assemblies identify and celebrate success focussed on behaviour objectives, which are linked to one of the six school values over the year.

Positive behaviour and effort are rewarded through the school merit and certificate system plus tokens for older students.

Karyn McMahon and Julie Brown are the Designated Safeguarding Leads in school, with support from Gill Finch, Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding. They provide advice and support to staff on child welfare.

School uses extensive audits and action plans, together with updates such as CASPAR weekly email alerts and the Northumberland Safeguarding Children Board’s, ‘Safe to Learn’ bulletin to keep us up to date with the latest safeguarding and child protection news.

We have a comprehensive Child Protection/Safeguarding policy adapted for our context from Northumberland County Council policy and a Safeguarding advice leaflet for volunteers and visitors.

School also uses a secure, online system (CPOMS) for reporting, recording and monitoring incidents and referrals.

All child protection incidents and concerns are handled sensitively, with the well-being of the child influencing all other considerations. Staff are trained in the NSPCC ‘Speak out. Stay safe.’ programme. This is delivered to pupils so that they understand abuse in all its forms and recognise signs of abuse; know how to protect themselves and how to get help.

School leaders are trained in Safer Recruitment, developed in line with the DfE’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance, and all staff hold full DBS certificates.

Relationships and Sex Education is taught to pupils in a manner appropriate to their age and development. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons and support from organisations such as Thinking for Yourself (T4Y) and Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) ensure that pupils receive appropriate, timely information regarding puberty, body awareness, positive relationships and intimacy.

We recognise that some pupils will always require assistance with their intimate care needs. The management of these children will be carefully assessed and Intimate Care Plans will be written in collaboration with the child, parents/carers and health professionals as available.

Staff supporting pupils with feeding and drinking needs complete dysphagia training provided by Speech and Language Therapy service.

Moving and Handling Plans are written and followed closely for those pupils who require them. Staff working with these pupils receive Moving and Handling training from Centaur trained colleagues and are supported by Physiotherapy Services. Support for assessing and monitoring sling use is provided by Occupational Therapy Services.