In May, Fortis Trust arranged a two-day audit of the Bradfields Academy Safeguarding. This was to ensure that the academy was doing everything possible to keep the students and staff safe whilst they are at Bradfields Academy. The review was conducted by Kent LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) and provided an opportunity for staff and students to speak about their experiences at Bradfields, while also giving the reviewers an understanding of how the academy runs on a day-to-day basis.
Following the two days, the academy received a report, which we are pleased to provide you with highlights on.
“A warm, nurturing, and relaxed atmosphere where the students feel safe.”
Arrival and Dismissal
It was noted that the process for student arrival and dismissal was well organised, seamless, and calm, despite the large number of vehicles and students being managed. They made a special recognition to the Site Team, and their “careful planning, vigilance and calm presence”.
Teachers and Middle Leaders
It was recognised that the teachers and Middle Leaders ensure that safeguarding is a part of the students’ learning. The differentiation of learning, based on the student’s needs, age, and communication abilities, was done to a good standard.
Further to this, the reviewers described the staff as “well trained and confident in identifying students who may need extra help, support or protection”. There were also comments about the good understanding staff have of specific areas of safeguarding concerns, which may look different for students with SEND.
Teaching Assistants and Community Staff
The Teaching Assistants and community staff were recognised for their “quiet, relational and constant work” with the students, where they notice changes, support regulation and help students transition between lessons. It was also highlighted that their work helps create the conditions for students to feel safe learning.
Wider Pastoral Team
Our pastoral team structure has a wide range of roles, and the reviewers found that these roles and expertise “reflect the… needs of the students”. A special mention was made of the Parent & Carer Partnership Team, who play a “pivotal role in supporting students and working with families”.
Further, our ESL team were described as an important point of contact for students and parents. They were further recognised as “safe, trusted adults that students felt they could talk to”.
The reviewers stated that the work by these teams is significant and enables students and families to access external support that might otherwise be difficult for them to access due to their needs and understanding of the systems.
Medical Team and Therapeutic Support
It was recognised that the academy is proactive in building internal support. The reviewer further highlighted that the teams are “highly skilled” and that their work is central to the safety, dignity and emotional wellbeing of students across the academy, allowing them to access learning.
Administration Staff
The work our Admin team do, including our reception team, was recognised as a critical service ensuring that the academy is safe, due to our monitoring, DBS checks, and the lanyard system.
DSL Team and Safeguarding Leadership
The DSL Team have daily catch-ups and weekly meetings, which help the academy focus on safeguarding, enabling it to ensure that actions are recorded and that emerging safeguarding themes and patterns are investigated and considered.
The review states that the team have a “strong endorsement of the academy’s safeguarding leadership”.
Students
The students describe the academy as “lovely”, “helpful”, and “kind”, and say they feel safe and can talk to people about their worries at home and within the academy. They also stated that behaviour issues and bullying are dealt with quickly.