Safeguarding & Child Protection

At Changing Lives SEN Independent School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We create a calm, trusted environment where pupils feel safe, listened to and able to learn.

Concerns can be raised anonymously. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you’re worried about a child

  • Emergency: 999

  • Trafford Children’s First Response (Mon–Thu 8:30–17:00, Fri 8:30–16:30): 0161 912 5125

  • Out of hours: 0161 912 2020

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 · help@nspcc.org.uk

  • Childline (for young people): 0800 1111

Our Safeguarding Team

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. Deputy DSLs support cover and escalation.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mark Chapman

Deputy Head

0161 969 5853

mark.chapman@changinglivessen.co.uk

Deputy DSL

Jane Ennis

Deputy Head

0161 969 5853

jane.ennis@changinglivessen.co.uk

Deputy DSL

Nicola Smith

Headteacher

0161 969 5853

nicola.smith@changinglivessen.co.uk

Operation Encompass

We are part of Operation Encompass. When police attend a domestic abuse incident where a pupil is present, school receives a confidential notification so we can offer timely, sensitive support the next school day.

  • Key Adult: Mark Chapman (DSL)

Trusted adult check-ins · adjustments to the day · liaison with services where appropriate.
For more information about Operation Encompass, visit: www.operationencompass.org

Protect from harm

Protecting pupils from abuse and neglect — online and offline.

What safeguarding means here

Work with families

We partner with parents/carers and agencies to get the right help at the right time.

Teach safety

RSHE includes healthy relationships, consent, online safety and respect.

Meet SEND/SEMH needs

Small groups, personalised targets and safe routines tailored to our learners.

Listening culture

We listen to pupils and act on concerns quickly and proportionately.

Calm + predictable

Predictable routines and calm spaces support regulation and readiness to learn.


Report to reception on arrival.

  • Sign in and wear a visible badge at all times.

  • Be escorted by staff where required.

  • Sign out at reception before leaving.

Visitors: keeping everyone safe

Contractors and professionals must present photo ID; where appropriate, enhanced DBS details will be verified. If you see or hear something that worries you while on site, tell a member of staff immediately.

Visitor Policy

All visitors to Changing Lives Independent School must follow our strict safeguarding procedures. This includes:

✔ Parents & carers
✔ Former staff & pupils
✔ Governors
✔ Contractors
✔ Staff from other schools

Reporting In

📌 All visitors must:

  • Report to the main school reception upon arrival.

  • Sign in and collect a visitor’s badge, which must be worn at all times while on the school premises.

Signing Out

📌 Before leaving, all visitors must:

  • Be escorted back to reception.

  • Sign out before exiting the building.

These procedures ensure that we maintain a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.

Prevent duty

We promote the values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. Staff are trained to identify and report risks of radicalisation.

Counter-extremism helpline: 020 7340 7264

Online safety

We maintain robust filtering and monitoring on school networks/devices, teach responsible use, and support parents with guidance on staying safe online.

How to raise a concern

Step 1

If someone is in immediate danger

Call 999.

Step 2

Tell us

Use Report a Worry (anonymous option) or speak to any staff member; we pass it to the DSL.

Step 3

External help

You can contact Trafford First Response or the NSPCC for advice.

Step 4

What we do

We’ll listen, take you seriously and explain next steps. We may share information to keep a child safe.

Trafford Children’s First Response (MASH)

0161 912 5125

firstresponse@trafford.gov.uk

Out of hours: 0161 912 2020

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000

help@nspcc.org.uk

Childline (for young people)

0800 1111

childline.org.uk