Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Thank you for your interest in the post of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Abbeyfield School.

I feel very privileged to be part of a very special community of committed staff and rewarding young people. Teamwork is central to the culture of the school and it is this, and a shared desire to support and challenge every student in order for them to achieve their personal best, which shapes everything we do at Abbeyfield. ’Leaders are determined to help pupils achieve their best’ (Ofsted 2021).

We have very high expectations and aspirations of our students and of ourselves. This was highlighted in our recent Ofsted report, “Leaders have high expectations of staff. They also care about staff well-being. Staff morale is high” and “Leaders present a strong, unified and motivated team”. Teaching and support staff all play a key role at Abbeyfield in putting the needs of our students at the very heart of all we do.

Our Quality First Teaching Charter ensures a focus on high quality teaching and learning supported by an ambitious programme of pedagogical and subject specific CPD. Whilst academic achievement is fundamental, we believe that all staff have a vital role in students’ social and personal development. This ensures that students can be equipped with the life and employability skills needed for successful adulthood.

We, like all schools in the Creative Education Trust, pursue a rigorous and continuous programme of educational improvement. This is alongside an aim to provide students with a rich programme of extra-curricular activities. Abbeyfield offers a varied diet of curriculum and enrichment opportunities and students benefit from Trust organised events such as the key concept launch days, debate and essay writing competitions. We also have our annual days of Shakespeare performance which are a visible example of the impact we can have on students’ creativity. We are often the host school for these events to allow students from all trust schools to work in a professional theatre space. We are always keen to expand further on the opportunities we provide for students to develop their creativity, resilience and independence. 

High expectations for behaviour for learning are supported by a strong Head of Year & pastoral team alongside and a behaviour team of non-teaching staff. There is a strong emphasis on restorative justice and positive behaviour management alongside our praise and consequence systems. ‘Pupils behave well. They are polite and courteous’’ The school’s systems for pastoral care are strong (Ofsted 2021).

I am passionate about students, staff and parents having the opportunity to influence the future of the school and contribute to our improvement agenda. ‘Ambitious to Achieve’ was proposed by a Year 12 student and our school values were the outcome of a students and staff vote. Stakeholder feedback is regularly sought and informs our strategic leadership. We value our partnerships with the local community and external agencies, and these are used to good effect in order to support our students and families. 

We believe Abbeyfield is a very special place to work and we are excited about the future. If you are passionate about what we are trying to achieve and you feel you can make a real difference in this role then I look forward to receiving your application.

Kind Regards,

Jay Kerby, Principal