Safeguarding Curriculum

At Compass School, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils are paramount. We are committed to delivering a robust safeguarding curriculum that aligns with the requirements outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 frameworks. This statement outlines how our safeguarding curriculum is effectively implemented, and the subsequent impact it has on our pupils

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Please familiarise yourself with the names and roles of our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy DSL, and Designated Safeguarding Lead Officers (DSLO):

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

Implementation

Curriculum Alignment
Our safeguarding curriculum is meticulously designed to comply with the guidelines and principles set forth in KCSIE 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 frameworks. The curriculum covers a range of safeguarding topics, including:

• Recognising the signs of abuse
• Understanding consent
• Promoting healthy relationships
• Accessing support services for pupils

We ensure that the curriculum remains dynamic, adapting to emerging trends, and addresses the challenges our pupils may face in a changing world.

Staff Training and Development
All staff members undergo comprehensive, regular safeguarding training to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to:

• Identify signs of abuse or neglect
• Respond appropriately to disclosures
• Follow established procedures for safeguarding concerns

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) receive enhanced, specialist training to effectively fulfil their responsibilities, as required by KCSIE 2024.

Engagement and Participation
Our safeguarding curriculum encourages active pupil participation, using diverse teaching methodologies such as:

• Interactive discussions
• Case studies
• Role-playing scenarios
• Multimedia resources

This approach is tailored to meet the developmental needs of our pupils, ensuring they are actively involved in their learning and can fully engage with the content.

Inclusivity and Diversity
We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our pupil body. Our safeguarding curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, ensuring that every pupil—regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, or ability—can engage with and benefit from safeguarding education. This includes:

• Developing content that is culturally sensitive and relevant
• Promoting a culture of equality, respect, and inclusion

Partnerships and Collaboration
We work closely with external agencies such as local authorities, child protection services, and non-profit organisations to enhance the safeguarding curriculum. These collaborations enable us to deliver workshops, counselling services, and specialist training that complement and strengthen our safeguarding initiatives.

Impact

Enhanced Awareness and Understanding
The implementation of our safeguarding curriculum has resulted in improved awareness and understanding of safeguarding issues among pupils, staff, and parents/guardians. Pupils are better equipped to:

• Recognise signs of abuse or harm
• Understand their rights
• Access the appropriate support services when needed

Empowered Pupils
Our curriculum empowers pupils by promoting resilience, assertiveness, and critical thinking. Pupils are encouraged to:

• Set personal boundaries
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour
• Seek help from trusted adults or external agencies when needed

Positive Relationships and Communication
The safeguarding curriculum promotes positive relationships and encourages open communication within the school community. Pupils feel supported and comfortable discussing safeguarding concerns with:

• Peers
• Teachers
• Parents/guardians

This helps foster a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

Integrated Safeguarding Culture
Safeguarding is integrated throughout all aspects of school life. Pupils receive consistent safeguarding messages and have multiple opportunities for reflection on these important topics. This holistic approach reinforces safeguarding principles and cultivates a whole-school culture of vigilance, support, and care.

Responsive Support Systems
The curriculum has helped establish responsive support systems within the school. Pupils have access to:

• Designated safeguarding leads (DSLs)
• External agencies for support and guidance

This ensures that any safeguarding concerns are addressed promptly and effectively, providing pupils with the help they need when they need it.

By aligning our safeguarding curriculum with KCSIE 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, we have seen significant positive impacts on pupils' safety, well-being, and academic success. Through awareness, empowerment, positive relationships, and strong support systems, we create a safe and inclusive learning environment where every pupil can thrive.

Weekly Safeguarding Updates For Parents