Review highlights key strengths

A review by school leaders of safeguarding arrangements against Ofsted's inspection criteria has highlighted key strengths in the school's work.  Schools are responsible for safeguarding pupils in a wide range of different ways.

Analysis of documents and records, interviews with key members of staff and discussion with groups of pupils from all age groups were used to evaluate the impact of the school's routines, systems and teaching to help keep our children safe from harm.

"An overwhelming number of pupils told us that they felt safe in school because adults were trusted by them to listen and act on any concerns.  Teachers were described as being calm, kind but strict when needed.  School systems, including 'worry boxes', Playground Friends, and the chance to drop-in to see Learning Mentor, Mrs. Reehal, were highlighted by children.

"Children reported consistent use of our new behaviour management routines by teachers.  Older pupils in Years 5 & 6 described how their peers now make the right choices resulting in even fewer 'red letters' going home and lesson rarely being disrupted by poor behaviour.

"Feeling safe on the inside was highlighted by other children because they know we are a Values-based school which uses MindUp techniques to help children manage their emotions.  Children felt that the school had become even happier and safer since the introduction of values because they had learned how to kinder to others.

"E-safety was explained confidently by children who remembered a range of different scenarios from teaching in class and assemblies.  Preparation for off-site trips has been used as a meaningful way to teach children about road safety. 

"Bullying is extremely rare, if at all, although children spoke confidently about different types of bullying and what to do if they were being bullied.  Children distinguished between ad hoc name calling and persistent bullying as a result of the school's teaching and approach to bullying, " explained Peter Dunmall, Head teacher.

"Some older children described the use of derogatory homophobic language by older children, especially boys while playing football which is something the school now needs to address, " added Clare Haines, Deputy Head.

An evaluation report will be scrutinised by the Governing Body at the next Pupils & Achievement Committee meeting and validated by a first-hand visit to school in November.