Safeguarding in the Curriculum
Safeguarding and the promotion of pupil well-being (including their mental health) is at the heart of our ethos at Bradstow School. Due to this, great importance is placed on identifying opportunities within the curriculum for children to learn about safeguarding.
Bradstow School offers a specialized curriculum designed to support the unique needs of students aged 5 to 19 with autism and complex learning difficulties. Central to this curriculum is the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education program, which plays a pivotal role in preparing students for adulthood and fostering their personal development.
Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) Education
The PSHE curriculum at Bradstow School is integral to the safeguarding curriculum, focusing on:
- Relationships and Health Education: Addressing topics such as consent, appropriate touch, online safety, and understanding of different cultures and beliefs.
- Community Engagement: Through initiatives like the 'friends, relationships, and community' program, students engage in activities such as road and water safety education, stranger danger and shopping trips to local supermarkets, promoting practical life skills.
- Student Voice: Mechanisms like class meetings, pupil surveys, and the community council, supported by communication aids, ensure students have a platform to express their opinions and contribute to school improvements.
Communication and Behaviour Support
Recognising the challenges students face in communication, Bradstow School employs a range of communication systems, such as symbols, photographs, and signing, tailored to individual needs. This strategy not only enhances learning but also reduces frustration and anxiety, keeps children safe, facilitates better social interactions and behaviour management.