Our Safeguarding Team 

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At Nancealverne Special School, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every individual is respected, valued, and protected. Our safeguarding principles are designed to ensure the welfare and well-being of all our students, including those with non-verbal communication abilities and complex medical needs.

Inclusive Practices:

Non-verbal Pupils: We recognise the diverse needs of our non-verbal pupils and employ specialised communication methods tailored to their individual requirements. This may include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, visual aids, and assistive technologies to facilitate meaningful interaction and expression.

Complex Medical Needs: Students with complex medical needs receive personalised care plans developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and families. Trained staff members provide necessary medical support, administer medications, and respond promptly to any medical emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of every student. 

Promoting Healthy Relationships:

Social Skills Development: We foster the development of social skills and emotional intelligence through structured activities, peer interactions, and targeted interventions. Our curriculum emphasizes empathy, respect, and understanding, promoting positive relationships among students and staff.

Communication Support: We provide support and guidance to help students develop effective communication skills, including the ability to express their emotions, assert their boundaries, and seek help when needed. Through role-playing, social stories, and visual aids, we empower students to navigate social interactions confidently and respectfully.

Encouraging Positive Contributions:

Inclusive Learning Environment: Our school promotes a culture of inclusivity and celebrates the unique abilities and contributions of every student. We provide opportunities for students to participate in decision-making, peer mentoring, and collaborative projects, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement.

Community Engagement: We actively engage with families, local communities, and external agencies to support the holistic development of our students. Through partnerships with community organizations and outreach programs, we create opportunities for students to participate in meaningful activities, develop life skills, and contribute positively to society.

Maintaining High Expectations:

Personalized Learning Goals: We set high expectations for academic achievement, personal growth, and behavior management, tailored to each student's abilities and aspirations. Our curriculum is differentiated to accommodate diverse learning styles and pace, challenging students to reach their full potential.

Continuous Improvement: We continuously evaluate and refine our safeguarding policies, practices, and training programs to uphold the highest standards of child protection and student well-being. Our staff members undergo regular safeguarding training to stay abreast of best practices and legal requirements, ensuring a vigilant and proactive approach to safeguarding.

At Nancealverne Special School, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. By working together as a supportive and vigilant community, we strive to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where every student can thrive and fulfil their potential.  We recognise that everyone who comes into contact with children has a duty to safeguard and promote children’s welfare.  

We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the school who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult, including governors and volunteers. All members of staff therefore, whether paid or voluntary, are required to have an enhanced DBS check and are not allowed to start work at the school until this check has been completed.  All staff are trained in using our reporting and recording system CPOMS. 

The school shares a purpose with parents to educate, keep children safe from harm and have their welfare promoted. We are committed to working with parents positively, openly and honestly. We always encourage parents to discuss any concerns they may have with the school as soon as possible. We have a robust home/ school liaison offer which aims to support families holistically. 

All pupils have a good understanding of how to stay safe. This is supported by evidence from the annual pupils' questionnaires where they state that they know what to do if they feel threatened, bullied or unsafe.

We have a school nurse on site who helps to look after all pupils, but particularly those with high healthcare needs. She is part of our wider safeguarding team. 

SPT and Nancealverne School safeguarding information

• Keeping children safe in education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• SPT Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
•  Job description DSL

Operation Encompass

• What is Operation Encompass?
•  Operation Encompass -Decision-Making-Model
•  Operation Encompass-Statement-for-Safeguarding-Policy.pdf
•  Operation Encompass
•  OE School to Parent letter

Other safeguarding organisations guidance and information

•  Guidelines Female Genital Mutilation Multi-Agency Practice
•  Prevent strategy
•  The seven golden rules to sharing information
•  NSPCC - Fighting for childhood
•  NSPCC Executive summary
•  TES Safeguarding resources

LADO leaflets/information

•  LADO leaflet for employees working with children
•  LADO leaflet for employers working with children
•  LADO leaflet for professionals working with children