Safeguarding

We recognise that our students have additional needs and vulnerabilities, and we place safeguarding at the centre of everything we do.

We are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments where students feel secure, valued, and able to communicate concerns in ways that are meaningful to them. Safeguarding arrangements across the Trust are robust, consistent, and informed by statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children. These are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective.

Safeguarding vulnerable learners

Our safeguarding practice reflects an understanding of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and the additional challenges they may face, including barriers to communication, increased dependency on adults, and a greater risk of abuse or neglect. Our practice includes:

• Specialist training: staff are trained to recognise both verbal and non-verbal indicators of harm.
• Individualised care: careful consideration of students’ communication needs and specific vulnerabilities.
• Student voice: a strong focus on dignity, respect, and ensuring the pupil’s voice is heard.
• Partnership working: close collaboration with families and a wide range of external professionals and agencies.

Our Commitment

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, Trustees, Local Academy Boards, volunteers, and visitors are expected to share our commitment and to act in the best interests of our students at all times. Regular training and clear procedures ensure that concerns are identified early and responded to appropriately.

The Gallery Trust has a Designated Safeguarding Manager (DSM), and each school within the Trust has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a dedicated safeguarding team. Information on how to raise a concern, alongside our safeguarding and child protection policies, can be found on individual school websites.

Reporting a Concern: If you have a safeguarding concern about a child or young person within The Gallery Trust, please contact the relevant school immediately. In an emergency, always contact the appropriate safeguarding services or the police.

Safeguarding is fundamental to our work and underpins our commitment to ensuring that every student is safe, supported, and able to thrive.