Keeping Pupils Safe
Pupils learn effectively how to keep healthy, both physically and emotionally. Personalised packages of support, including a wide range of therapeutic interventions, are highly effective. Pupils understand how to keep themselves safe online. They feel safe and very well cared for in school. Ofsted 2017
Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They show care and consideration for each other. Pupils enjoy their learning, including learning about other people and their different beliefs, lifestyles and backgrounds. They are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Ofsted 2017
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.
Cleaswell Hill School will not tolerate any form of bullying or intimidation and any situations arising will be dealt with promptly. We are an associate member of the Anti-bullying Alliance and support Anti-bullying initiatives such as Blue Friday. We also work closely with organisations such as The Fed to support awareness of gender issues.
The emotional wellbeing and mental health of all of our pupils is prioritised through an active Pupil Voice working group and working closely with the pupils, families and multi-agency support.
Cleaswell Hill School also accesses Operation Encompass to support those children who may have been affected by Domestic Abuse, including Operation Encompass Next Steps Programme.
Cleaswell Hill School uses Senso Cloud monitoring software for all online activity in school. David Evans and Rachael Walton are designated online safety leads in school. Focussed lessons raise understanding and awareness of how to keep safe online and when using social media. We enhance our learning by involvement in Safer Internet Day activities each year.
Cleaswell Hill School will not tolerate incidents of racism in any form and will report all incidents to the Local Authority. We are aware of the requirements of schools to counter extremist ideology and for the potential for pupils to be radicalised. All staff have completed the Government Prevent Duty and have due regard to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
Cleaswell Hill School places a very high emphasis on Health and Safety and has a number of policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the school community. We comply with all Local Authority and DfE Health and Safety guidelines, including risk assessments, moving and handling and educational visits. An extensive educational visit online system (EVOLVE) is completed by visit leaders and checked by Educational Visits Coordinators before any visits off site.
01670 823182
admin@cleaswellhill.northumberland.sch.uk