Safeguarding and Signposting
At Changing Lives Independent School, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every child is our highest priority.
Concerns can be raised anonymously. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
🚨 Emergency & Support Contacts
If you're worried about a child, don't hesitate to reach out
Trafford Children's First Response
Out of hours: 0161 912 2020
Safeguarding at Changing Lives Independent School
What safeguarding means for our pupils, and for the families we work alongside.
We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, respected, listened to and valued. Our staff work hard to create a warm, caring and supportive environment where pupils can develop confidence, build positive relationships and achieve their full potential.
Safeguarding means much more than protecting children from harm. It is about promoting their welfare, helping them stay healthy and safe, supporting their emotional wellbeing, and ensuring they have trusted adults they can talk to whenever they need help.
For Parents and Carers
We work in partnership with families to keep children safe. We encourage open communication and believe that children achieve the best outcomes when home and school work together. If you ever have concerns about your child's safety, wellbeing or mental health, please contact a member of our safeguarding team who will be happy to help and offer support.
For Our Pupils
Your safety matters to us.
We want you to feel happy and secure when you are at school. If something is worrying you, making you feel upset, frightened or uncomfortable, there is always someone ready to listen. You can speak to any trusted adult in school, including your teacher, key worker or a member of the safeguarding team.
Remember:
- We will listen to you.
- We will take your worries seriously.
- We will do our best to help keep you safe.
- You are never alone.
Our Commitment
At Changing Lives Independent School, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating a culture where children feel safe, respected and empowered to speak up. Through strong relationships, clear procedures and a caring approach, we ensure that every pupil receives the support they need to thrive.
If you have any safeguarding concerns or would like to speak to a member of our safeguarding team, please contact the school office on 0161 969 5853 who will direct you to the appropriate member of staff.
Our Safeguarding Team
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. Deputy DSLs support cover and escalation.
What Safeguarding Means Here
Our commitment to keeping every child safe
Protect from Harm
Protecting pupils from abuse and neglect — online and offline.
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.
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.
- Trusted adult check-ins
- Adjustments to the day
- Liaison with services where appropriate
How to Raise a Concern
Follow these steps if you're worried about a child
Immediate Danger?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Tell Us
Use Report a Worry (anonymous option) or speak to any staff member.
External Help
Contact Trafford First Response or the NSPCC for advice.
What We Do
We'll listen, take you seriously and explain next steps.
Signposting and Further Support
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). In each lesson, students are shown signposting information that guides them to appropriate in-school and out-of-school sources of advice, support and guidance on the topics explored in our RSE curriculum.
What should I do in an emergency?
In an emergency, you should always call 999.
In School
In school, students can speak to any member of staff, including their form tutor, their Changing Lives teacher or their pastoral leader.
Outside of School
The school Worries Button can be found here and can be used to report any worries or concerns.
Report a WorryThe following organisations can also provide advice and guidance to young people and their families on RSE-related topics:
Greater Manchester Police
You can contact Greater Manchester Police by calling 101 (always 999 in an emergency) to report something that has happened online or offline that is or may be a crime. You can also contact them if you are worried about the safety of yourself or someone else. If you do not want to call 101, there is an online reporting form on their website.
www.gmp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/online-safety/online-safetyBrook
Provides advice about relationships, sexual health and consent. Brook also operates a sexual health service in Manchester that is designed specifically for young people.
www.brook.org.ukCEOP
A UK law enforcement agency that works to help keep children safe online. Reports of child abuse online can be made directly to CEOP.
www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-CentreChildline
A counselling service for children and young people.
Kooth
An online service that provides free and safe mental health support for young people.
www.kooth.comThe Proud Trust
An organisation that supports LGBT+ young people through youth groups, peer support and mentoring programmes.
www.theproudtrust.orgThe NHS
In addition to your GP, the NHS operates and oversees sexual health clinics across the local area, including services specifically for young people.
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinicFRANK
Provides information about drugs and alcohol and was established by the Department of Health and the Home Office. FRANK also offers a live chat service and helpline.
www.talktofrank.comVisitors: Keeping Everyone Safe
All visitors must follow our strict safeguarding procedures
This Applies To:
- Parents & carers
- Former staff & pupils
- Governors
- Contractors
- Staff from other schools
Visitor Procedure:
- Report to main school reception on arrival
- Sign in and collect a visitor's badge
- Wear your badge visibly at all times
- Be escorted by staff where required
- Sign out at reception before leaving
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.
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.
Online Safety
We maintain robust filtering and monitoring on school networks/devices, teach responsible use, and support parents with guidance on staying safe online.
View Online Safety PolicyRelated Policies
Access our key safeguarding-related policies
Worried About a Child?
Don't wait. Report your concern now — you can remain anonymous.