Thorpe Hall School has a statutory duty under the Children Act to safeguard and promote the welfare of all its pupils. Our staff form part of the wider safeguarding system for children and, in order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, we will consider what is in the best interest of the child at all times.
If you have a safeguarding concern regarding our community, you can contact any member of our Safeguarding Team. Call 01702 582340 or email safeguarding@thorpehallschool.co.uk.
The safety and wellbeing of all our pupils at Thorpe Hall School is our highest priority. We recognise our duty to both children in need and to children at risk of harm. We make it our business to know everyone as an individual and to provide them with a secure and caring environment in which to learn. We expect the behaviours of respect, good manners and fair play to be shown by everyone so that every pupil can achieve their full potential and feel positive about themselves as an individual. Our holistic ethos encourages all pupils to care and support one another. Every member of staff clearly understands that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.
You can view and download a copy of the School’s Safeguarding Policy here.
If you ever feel concerned about a safeguarding issue, no matter how small it may be, it is important that you share it. It is everyone’s responsibility to look after children and young adults. Never feel that something is too insignificant to say, or ever think that ‘it can’t happen here’. We all need to be vigilant at all times and to communicate with each other.
If you have a safeguarding concern regarding our school community, and want to discuss a concern with the School, you can contact any member of our Safeguarding Team. Call 01702 582340 or email: safeguarding@thorpehallschool.co.uk.
These agencies are also available to speak to for advice or to report a concern:
for immediate risk of harm or injury always call: 999 (Police)
for non-urgent reports to the police call: 101
If you are not sure if a child is at risk and need advice visit: NSPCC
if you are concerned a child is suffering from abuse, neglect or harm please call: 01702 215007
03456061212 (out of hours)
Victim Support call: 03003030165
NSPSS FGM helpline call: 08000283550
As a school, we ensure that we have established mechanisms in place to identify, intervene and escalate any e-safety incident where appropriate. We have a rigorous filtering system on all electronic devices in school to ensure any ‘trigger’ words used in searches are referred to the Desginated Safeguarding Lead and when working online, any vulnerable students are offered bespoke support.
We follow our school policy and procedures on e-safety to educate pupils so they know how to remain safe when in school or out in the wider world. A strong focus on keeping children safe, in all its many forms, is delivered across our broad and balanced curriculum. ICT and PSHRE lessons, assemblies and cross-curricular teaching focus on the knowledge needed to stay safe online – all of which is taught in an age-appropriate manner. We also aim to support parents and carers by sharing helpful advice and resources wherever appropriate.
It is important that our learning community understands how to (this is not an exhaustive list):
Staff receive training during induction and throughout the year regarding content, contact, conduct and contract with specific examples given so that this can be taught to pupils.
Mental health and wellbeing is at the heart of our school. Staff have a myriad initiatives and strategies to support our pupils and their families, Thorpe Hall has been recognised by the Independent Schools Association with a National Schools Award for Excellence & Innovation in Pupils’ Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Positive mental health is a state of wellbeing in which our pupils can achieve their full individual potential; can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and are able to make a positive contribution to the school and the wider community.
With this in mind we encourage our students to develop strategies to reduce any anxieties and take care of their mental halth and wellbeing through ongoing initiatives and experiences. Regular features of our curriculum include: Mental Health and Wellbeing Days, wellbeing checks with Learning Mentors, timetabled PSHRE sessions, and an abundance of other learning opportunities, experiences and events across the school.
We have a trained and experienced counsellor available to talk to students about any concerns or worries they may have. Plus, our Pastoral Team, which includes several trained Mental Health First Aiders, is always on hand to encourage, support and listen whenever needed.