Safeguarding Curriculum

At Compass School, safeguarding our pupils remains our highest priority. We deliver a robust safeguarding curriculum aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and the statutory guidance Working Together to Improve School Attendance. This statement sets out how we implement our curriculum and the positive impact it has on our school community.

 

Designated Safeguarding Leads

 

Please familiarise yourself with our safeguarding team:

• DSL: Debbie McKenzie – Headteacher – Debbie.McKenzie@compass-school.net
• DDSL: Sally Howells – Assistant Headteacher – sally.howells@compass-school.net
• DSLO Team: Lisa Lewry, Gemma Allan, Dennise Renyard, Luisa Whittick, Lacey Weeks

Implementation

 

Our safeguarding curriculum reflects the updates in KCSIE 2025:

 

• Online safety enhancements: Pupils are explicitly taught about the risks of misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories under the “content” strand of the four Cs (content, contact, conduct, commerce).
• Digital safeguarding tools: We will integrate the DfE’s Plan technology for your school guidance and the Generative AI: product safety expectations to strengthen our filtering, monitoring, and cyber-resilience.
• Attendance and safeguarding: In line with the now-statutory Working Together to Improve School Attendance, we work closely with children’s services where absence may indicate safeguarding concerns.
• Alternative provision: For pupils placed in alternative provision, we ensure safer recruitment practices, written confirmation of safeguarding checks, monitoring of provision and half-termly reviews to guarantee safety and suitability.
• Inclusive terminology: Language now follows SEND good practice – for example, using “autism” in place of “autism spectrum disorder”.
• Virtual School Heads: Their role has been extended to include promoting outcomes for children with a social worker and those in kinship care, not just looked-after children.

 

Staff Training and Development

 

All staff undertake regular, comprehensive safeguarding training, updated to include:

 

• Identifying new digital risks such as misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy content.
• Implementing DfE guidance on filtering, monitoring and AI safety.
• Procedures for responding to pupil absence in line with statutory attendance expectations.

 

All DSLO’s continue to receive specialist training covering alternative provision, attendance-related safeguarding, online risk management and inclusive practice.

 

Engagement and Participation

 

Our curriculum uses interactive and age-appropriate methods, including discussions, case studies, role-play and multimedia. Lessons are updated with real-world examples, enabling pupils to critically evaluate information, stay safe online, and develop resilience.

 

Inclusivity and Diversity

 

We ensure that safeguarding education is accessible to all pupils. This includes sensitive handling of emerging issues (such as gender questioning – pending DfE guidance), respectful use of terminology, and a commitment to equality, respect and inclusion across all teaching.

 

Impact

 

Our safeguarding systems ensure swift, effective action, with access to DSLOs, trained staff, external agencies and statutory attendance support.

 

• Enhanced Awareness and Understanding

Pupils, staff and parents/carers have an improved understanding of safeguarding risks – particularly around online misinformation and harmful content.

• Empowered Pupils

Pupils develop digital literacy, confidence and resilience, enabling them to challenge inappropriate behaviour and seek support when needed.

• Positive Relationships and Communication

We promote trust across the school community. Pupils know they can safely raise safeguarding concerns with staff, parents or peers.

• Integrated Safeguarding Culture

Safeguarding principles are embedded across school life – from RSHE to attendance policies – creating a consistent and proactive culture of vigilance.

• Responsive Support Systems

 

By aligning our practice with KCSIE 2025 and statutory attendance guidance, Compass School strengthens pupils’ safety, wellbeing and readiness for modern challenges. Through awareness, empowerment, positive relationships and responsive support, we provide a safe, inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive.