Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility at Clifton High School.
Safeguarding is at the forefront of everything we do at Clifton High School. Whether children are in a classroom lesson, on an external trip, playing sports or performing on the stage, they are monitored and guided with care.
Every adult based on-site understands their responsibility for the welfare of our pupils. Regular staff training ensures that all staff members share a collective safeguarding and pastoral mindset, remaining ever-vigilant in identifying the wellbeing of children.
Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Champion, Mr Luke Goodman (Senior Deputy Head: Pastoral), provides expert leadership and works across all key stages with a specifically trained DSL Team to evolve modern challenges associated with safeguarding.
Staff members are expected to remain updated on the following:
- Staff Professional Code of Conduct
- Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies
- Designated Safeguarding Leads
- Recording and processing safeguarding concerns
Our Safeguarding Curriculum
Clifton High School's safeguarding expectations are firmly embedded in the curriculum. We work with our pupils to support an understanding of their own personal wellbeing and development, through a carefully curated Health and Wellbeing Program.
These vital lessons are implemented in an age-appropriate manner, underpinned by the School's ethos and values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction. They adhere to Government policy guidance to provide our young people with the knowledge, understanding, strategies and practical skills to lead safe, healthy and productive lives.
Our Mental Health Lead provides a safe space for pupils to seek support should they have worries or concerns, which are dealt with in confidence and with sensitivity and professionalism.
We work with several Equity and Inclusion partnerships to encourage a culture of 'calling in' and helping children feel they belong, regardless of their background.
Individual Brilliance
Clifton High School creates a culture of recognising 'individual brilliance' in our children. This is more than identifying talents; it is capturing a reason to celebrate every pupil and why they feel safe and want to shine.
Our community values strengthen our motives in recognising and applauding our differences, whether it be in gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion or culture. Pupils learn how to deal with both success and defeat when pursuing their passions, and in these moments, their 'individual brilliance' is seized.
Attendance
Absence Reporting: Safety also means knowing where our pupils are. Parents are asked to notify the school of any absence by 8.40am via absence@cliftonhigh.co.uk or the Talaxy module.
At Clifton High School, we always aim for 100% school attendance to help maximise children’s access to education and to support them in achieving their full potential. We acknowledge that for a small number of children, this attendance figure will not be possible due to reasons of ill health, disability, or other social/emotional needs. In these cases, children’s attendance will be viewed within the context of each learner’s needs so that they can be supported to achieve their highest level of attendance.
To read the guidance on absence from Members of the Attendance Action Alliance and the Department for Education, please click here.
Parent Collaboration
Clifton High School believes that a child's safety is a collaborative approach between home and School. Our 'Open-Door' policy encourages parents to talk to us about any concerns, however small they may be.
We remain connected to families through active communication, including:
- Weekly pastoral updates in the Parent Bulletin
- Half Termly Pastoral Bulletin
- Parent Partnership Events, Talks and Workshops
- Parent Focus Groups
Together, we ensure that Clifton High School remains a place where every child can grow with confidence, security, and most importantly, happiness.
