Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

 

 

OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH

At Clifton High School, children thrive when they feel safe, valued and belong to part of a community. Our holistic approach is integral to our practice and begins with knowing each child as an individual. This is realised through small class sizes and dedicated time to build strong and trusting relationships, as well as understanding pupils’ characters, interests, strengths and aspirations. Supporting both their emotional, social and physical development is as important to us as their academic learning so that pastoral care is woven throughout School life.

We are committed to supporting and continually improving the mental health of our pupils. Through age-appropriate PSHE and Health and Wellbeing lessons, assemblies, enrichment activities and pupil leadership opportunities, children develop the confidence to talk openly about their feelings, relationships and experiences with trust. They are also encouraged to see different perspectives, be empathetic and express their views respectfully. Partnerships with our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) teams encourage a culture of ‘calling-in’, helping children develop an increasing awareness of themselves and others, celebrate differences and understand their place in the world.

Our small class sizes, dedicated form tutors, teachers and Heads of Year ensure that pastoral care and academic progress remain closely connected whatever the age of the child. Alongside our wider Pastoral Team, School Nurses, the Mental Health Lead, Wellbeing Counsellor and the Enhanced Learning Department (ELD), all work collaboratively with pupils and families to ensure that each child receives support that is tailored to them individually.

During the School Day, pupils can access our Wellbeing Hub to meet with any one of the pastoral and wellbeing team, who will provide direct professional support and, where appropriate, refer pupils to external agencies.


PARENT PARTNERSHIP

This holistic support we provide at Clifton High School is a shared responsibility between home and School. We encourage parents to share concerns, however small, while regular communication and an open-door policy help us maintain strong community connections with our families.

These include:

 

  • Weekly pastoral updates within the Parent Bulletin  
  • Parent Focus Groups  
  • Parent Talks and Workshops 
 
  • Half-termly Pastoral Bulletin 
  • Parent Talks and Workshops  

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding is at the forefront of everything we do at Clifton High School. Led by a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Attendance Champion, who work alongside a specifically trained DSL Team, every pupil is monitored and guided with care. All adults on-site are responsible for the welfare of our pupils and, to facilitate this, they are supported by regular staff training to ensure a collective safeguarding and pastoral mindset.   

Safeguarding expectations are also firmly embedded in our curriculum and are addressed through our Health and Wellbeing and PSHE programmes.  


ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance at School helps children make the most of their education and supports their academic, social and personal development.

While we aim for 100% attendance, we recognise that this is not always possible when health, disability or social and emotional needs are affected. However, we actively consider each child’s circumstances and work to support them in achieving their highest level of attendance.  

To report an absence, parents are asked to notify absence@cliftonhigh.co.uk by 8.40am.


MEDICAL CARE

Our Medical Centre is an on-site point of care should pupils and staff members require it throughout the School day. Our two School Nurses bring a range of NHS nursing experience, including public health, paediatric specialities and pain management. The centre includes three beds and an isolation room where pupils can be closely monitored while awaiting collection.  

The School Nurses also coordinate on-site immunisations in partnership with Sirona Care and Health, following the UK’s national immunisation programme.

Our Medical Centre Opening Hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.