Our School Ethos on Safeguarding, Special Educational Needs and Inclusion

At Higher Openshaw Community Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child is valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential.

Safeguarding
The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority. As the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, 2025) guidance states, “Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.” We work in partnership with families and external agencies to ensure that children are protected from harm and that their voices are always heard.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
We recognise that every child is unique and that some may require additional support to thrive. In line with the Children and Families Act (2014), “Schools must use their best endeavours to make sure that a child with SEN gets the support they need.” Our SEND provision is designed to remove barriers to learning, celebrate differences, and enable all pupils to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Inclusion
We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all pupils, regardless of their background, needs, or abilities. The Equality Act (2010) requires schools to “make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled pupils are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to their peers.” At Higher Openshaw, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every child feels a sense of belonging within our community.

Further Information for Parents and Carers
For detailed information on our safeguarding responsibilities, SEND provision, and inclusion offer—including policies, roles, duties, and statutory guidance—please visit the designated sections of our school website linked to this section:

  • Safeguarding, family support and other parent Information

  • SEND Information Report

  • Equality and Inclusion Offer

We encourage all parents and carers to explore our pages and to read these documents so that together we can provide the best possible support for every child.

 

image

Principles of attendance 

1. Empowerment: Encouraging students to make their own decisions and voice their concerns, ensuring they feel heard and respected. 
2. Prevention: Taking proactive measures to identify and minimize risks before harm can occur, such as through robust pastoral care and safety education. 
3. Proportionality: Ensuring that any intervention or response is the least intrusive and perfectly matched to the severity of the risk. 
4. Protection: Providing direct support, clear reporting routes, and targeted safety measures for students who are at risk or experiencing harm. 
5. Partnership: Collaborating effectively with parents, families, local authorities, and other agencies to ensure a unified approach to child protection. 
6. Accountability: Ensuring transparency and taking responsibility for safeguarding duties. Everyone in the school—from leadership to staff—must understand their exact roles and uphold safety standards. 
Meet our Team - image 1
Meet our Team - image 2
Meet our Team - image 3