Safeguarding

At The Cherwell School Sixth Form, the safety, health, and emotional wellbeing of our students are at the heart of everything we do. We operate on the fundamental belief that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. While moving into Post-16 education marks an exciting transition toward greater independence, we ensure that every young person is supported by a robust, proactive safety net.

A Culture of Vigilance, Care, and Respect

We foster an inclusive, welcoming community built on mutual respect and kindness. Our goal is to create a safe learning environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to seek help. Safeguarding in the Sixth Form balances young people's growing maturity with the statutory duty to protect them from harm, in line with national Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 Guidance  

Safeguarding in the Sixth Form

• Dedicated Safeguarding Team: Safeguarding Post-16 is led by our experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), supported by a team of Deputy DSLs and Sixth Form Pastoral Leads. Staff receive regular, comprehensive training to recognise signs of concern—including mental health difficulties, online risks, and peer-on-peer issues.

• Integrated Pastoral & Well-being Support: Sixth Form students have access to a network of support, including Form Tutors, Year Team Leaders, trained Youth Mental Health First Aiders, and designated student advocates. Our School Counsellors are skilled and experienced in working with post-16 students.

• Empowering Students through Personal Development: Safeguarding goes beyond reactive care. Through our Social Wellbeing and tutorial programmes, we equip students with the knowledge to navigate Post-16 life safely. Key topics include healthy relationships, consent, mental health awareness, online safety, and handling social pressures.

• Robust IT & Online Safety: Modern learning requires robust digital infrastructure. We maintain strict IT filtering and monitoring systems across our network to protect students from harmful online content while teaching them how to maintain safe digital footprints.

• Contextual Safeguarding & Multi-Agency Working: Recognising that threats to young people's safety can exist beyond the school gates, we practice contextual safeguarding. Where complex needs arise, we work in close partnership with Oxfordshire Children's Social Care, health professionals, and specialist external agencies to deliver timely, wrap-around support.

• Safer Recruitment & Operations: All staff, tutors, and volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment checks (including Enhanced DBS checks) before joining our community. Our site operations are regularly reviewed to maintain a safe campus environment.

Partnering with Parents and Carers

We view parents and carers as crucial partners in keeping young people safe. We encourage open communication and urge families to contact the Sixth Form Safeguarding Team whenever a concern about a student's safety or wellbeing arises.

Our whole school safeguarding policy can be found here 

If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a student, please contact our Safeguarding Team via the main school office or at safeguarding@cherwellschool.org.