As part of the Beyond Schools Trust, we play a pivotal role in enhancing educational opportunities for over 4000 young people in Medway. We believe that all involved in Thomas Aveling work and achieve best when happy; students are given considerable say in their education, for example choosing their option subjects in Year 8, choosing extra-curricular activities early in Year 7 and having the chance to take part in the Student Council. We have high expectations of all our students and considerable work goes into raising the aspirations of all - aiming high in everything we do.

We have the very highest expectations of all within Thomas Aveling and work closely with parents to maximise achievement and to develop young people into caring, successful adults. We are very proud that when students leave us aged 18 (or 16 in the minority of cases) that they often go onto further study at University, specialist colleges or enter high quality careers in several areas. Our students are successful due to the talent and tenacity of the staff at Thomas Aveling raising the students' aspirations and expectations and never letting them settle for being alright.

OUR VALUES
& ETHOS

OUR SCHOOL VALUES ARE:

Collaborative | Aspirational | Supportive | Inclusive | Caring

OUR SCHOOL AIMS ARE TO SUPPORT STUDENT LEARNING BY:

Encouraging excellence and raising aspirations so that all students experience and celebrate personal achievement in all aspects of school life.

Promoting self-discipline and self-esteem in our students and fostering an enjoyment of learning in a well-ordered environment.

Being a caring community, sensitive to the welfare and development of its students and staff.

Actively promoting equal opportunities for all and helping students to develop awareness, respect, and tolerance for the religious, cultural, and moral values of others.

Developing the school as an integral part of the local community and emphasising the partnership between school and family.

Equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in a rapidly changing world.

VALUES & ETHOS

FUNDAMENTAL BRITISH VALUES AT THOMAS AVELING

The Department for Education sets out five clear strands in their definition of British Values, and these are clearly translated into action at Thomas Aveling School:

The values above have been taught at the school for many years through our curriculum. Many of the values fit into our PSHE, Citizenship and RS curriculums, in addition they are addressed in Themed Education Days and extra-curricular activities.

DEMOCRACY

Student voice is important with the Student Council and Leadership Team meeting regularly. The Student Council make proposals on how the school can be changed and improved – the House System was recommended by the Student Council. The newly formed Eco Club is leading the way in making Thomas Aveling staff and students more environmentally aware. The Leadership Team take on various roles throughout the school including the recognition and celebration of diversity across the school.

THE RULE OF LAW

During their daily lives at the School, students will encounter rules and laws. These rules and laws are constantly reinforced throughout the day both in and outside the classroom. Through individual subjects, (e.g PSHE & Citizenship curriculum) and our behaviour policy, students understand the reasons and values behind the rules and laws and understand that there are sanctions if they do not follow them.

The School also invites in various authorities such as our attached Police Officer and the Fire Service to deliver assemblies, speak to individuals and individual groups of students and offers qualifications from these authorities through a range of subjects.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

In lessons, students are encouraged to join in and feel free to express their opinion. They are also taught that they will have their opinion challenged and they have a right to reply to this too. We have Debate Clubs which further develop this understanding, as well as regular features in a variety of subjects including English and History. Students are encouraged to exercise their rights and personal freedom, whilst appreciating that everyone is unique. This enables our students to feel self-confident and have high self-esteem.

MUTUAL RESPECT

This is a core virtue of the School. Students and all staff treat each other with great respect. The relationships between our staff and students are incredible. This is backed up by our behaviour policy, assemblies, class and form discussions and through the daily interactions of all members and visitors to our school.

Extra-Curricular, be it Sport, Music, Drama, Reading, Chess, or our popular Debate Clubs, contributes hugely to our ethos of Mutual Respect at the School. As well as in lessons, through enrichment and after-school activities, students learn to respect each other in every way.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

Students understand their place in a culturally diverse society through the many opportunities they experience. This is through assemblies, PSHE curriculum and through our excellent RS department. The School challenges those opinions contrary to the fundamental British Value of tolerance, including ‘extremist’ views.

All major religions are studied and respected, and we believe that it is the responsibility of everyone to demonstrate tolerance and ensure that our students are knowledgeable and understanding citizens, prepared for life in modern Britain.

KEYSTAFF

KEY
STAFF

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mrs F Linter

Mrs R Hatter

Mr J Truss

Mr P Coley

Mr P Munroe

Mr O Whelan

Mrs C Wybourn

Mrs Williams

Mr Clendennen

Mx Francis

Ms Moran

Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher

Associate Assistant Headteacher

BEYOND SCHOOLS TRUST TEAM

Mr A Minchin

Mrs J Perry

Mrs D Zlateva

Mrs K Steele

Mr M Bushell

Mr A Berry

Mr B Norville

CEO

Clerk to the Trustees

CFO

Director of HR

Technology Development Manager

Trust Estates Development Manager

Executive Business Director

DIRECTORS OF LEARNING

Miss S Hewitt

Mr B Asihene

Mrs E Skirving

Mrs N Lee

Achilles House

Cavalier House

Resolute House

Victory House

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF LEARNING

Mrs C Hooper

Mrs K Robinson

Mr J Capon

Mrs S Fryer

Achilles House

Cavalier House

Resolute House

Victory House

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Ms H Dent-Cowan

Mr P Munroe

Mr S West

Mr J Knights

Ms I Mawn

Mrs E Hayward

Mr P Ahern

Mrs A Grady

Miss A Berry

Mx Mummery

Mrs R Cross

Mrs E Walton

Mrs N Lee

Mr M Simone

Mr J Tyler

Mrs J Mash

Mrs S Bowes

Mr D Tarrant

Mrs E Killaly

Alternative Curriculum

Art

Business Studies

Drama

Design & Technology

English / Psychology / Sociology

Geography

Health & Social Care

History

Computing

Law

Maths

Media

MFL

Performing Arts - Dance

PSHE & RS

Science

Music

SIXTH FORM TEAM

Mrs C Wybourn

Mrs A Grady

Mrs J Gibson

Assistant Headteacher

Director of Sixth Form

Sixth Form Manager

CHILDREN'S TEAM, ADMINISTRATION

& TECHNICAL STAFF

Director of Safeguarding & Welbeing

Deputy Director Safeguarding & Wellbeing

Pupil Premium Interventions Officer

Examinations Manager

Office Manager

Data Manager

Admissions & Work Experience Co-ordinator

PA to Headteacher

Attendance Officer

Transition & Student Welfare Coordinator

Inclusion Zone Supervisor

Inclusion Manager

Librarian

Ms T Latchford

Mrs C Rodwell

Ms L Tuffrey

Miss R Howard

Mrs S Dane

Miss K Clark

Ms B Sanders

Mrs E Harrison

Mrs A White

Mrs S Williams

Mrs L Frickey

Ms A Johnson

Mrs D Peace

SEND TEAM

Ms K Barry

Miss S Laker

Ms K Tzanetis

Mrs K Martin

Mrs E McDowall

Mrs J Milliner

Mrs N Dove

SENCO

Deputy SENCO

Assistant SENCO

Lead Teacher of the Deaf

Teacher of the Deaf

SEN Hub Coordinator

SEN Admin Assistant

CURRICULUM ASSISTANTS

Mrs S Ghosal

Mrs M Gajjar

Miss C Gillespie

Mrs A Mukadam

Mrs L Blacklaws

Maths, ICT and Psychology

English/Media/MFL/Sociology

PE/PA/Music/Dance/Art

Science/D&T

Geography/History/PSHE/Business/RS

SAFEGUARDING

At Thomas Aveling, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

We want every child and young person to feel safe, listened to and confident that there is an adult who will help them if they are worried about something.

Safeguarding is much more than responding when something has gone wrong. It is about creating a culture where concerns are noticed early, children feel able to speak, staff know how to respond and families can access help when they need it.

Our approach brings together safeguarding, pastoral care, attendance, wellbeing, SEND, behaviour and education, alongside strong relationships with parents, carers and external professionals.

If something is worrying you, tell us.

You don't need to know whether something is a "safeguarding concern", and you don't need to have all the answers.

If it matters to you, it matters to us.

Safeguarding at Thomas Aveling: More Than a Policy

Safeguarding at Thomas Aveling happens every day.

It might be:

a young person talking to a trusted adult;
a member of staff noticing a change in behaviour;
identifying a pattern in attendance;
supporting a family experiencing difficulties;
responding to an online concern;
recognising that a child may need additional help;
working with other professionals;
reviewing safeguarding information and emerging trends;
or helping children understand how they can keep themselves and others safe.

Behind this sits a trained safeguarding team, clear recording and reporting systems, regular review of practice and governor oversight. Internal safeguarding evidence also demonstrates CPOMS review, audit activity, consideration of safeguarding trends and changes to practice following review. Safeguarding isn't something we simply say we do. It is part of the everyday culture of our school.

Meet Our Safeguarding Team

Our safeguarding team is here to support our students, families and staff.

The team works across the school to respond to concerns, support children and families and ensure that appropriate action is taken when a child may need help or protection.

For any safeguarding concern please call the school or email on: safeguardingconcerns@thomasaveling.co.uk

Mr O Whelan: Assistant Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Ms T Latchford: Director of Safeguarding & Wellbeing (DDSL) – Resolute

Mrs C Rodwell: Deputy Director Safeguarding & Wellbeing – Cavalier

Miss L Shelbourne: Assistant Director Safeguarding & Wellbeing – Achilles

Mrs T Anderson: Assistant Director Safeguarding & Wellbeing – Victory

Mrs S Rogers: Wellbeing Lead / Safeguarding Officer

Mrs K Johal Wellbeing Advisor and Bereavement Support

Mrs S Williams: Assistant Headteacher & MentaL Health Lead

Mrs H Tucker: CLA coordinator

Our School Governor, Terence Brown, has governor responsibility for Safeguarding.

SAFEGUARDING AND VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

Upon arrival at the school, visitors are required to sign in at Reception and read our safeguarding leaflet. They must then wear an ID badge (that must be visible at all times).

Visitors are collected from Reception and must remain with a designated member of staff at all times and will wear a pink visitor lanyard.

Those who have had the appropriate checks and work with students weekly will wear a blue visitor lanyard.

On departure, visitors must sign out and return their ID badge to Reception before leaving the premises.

Worried about something?

You do not have to deal with a worry alone.

If you are a student, you can speak to any trusted adult in school. They will listen to you and make sure the right people know so that we can help. Parents and carers can also contact the school if they are worried about their own child or another young person.

Simply email: safeguardingconcerns@thomasaveling.co.uk

Online Safety

Students spend an increasing amount of their lives online. Safeguarding doesn't stop at the school gate.

We help students understand how to use technology safely and responsibly and talk openly about emerging online risks, including social media, online relationships, harmful content and new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Technology used in school is supported by appropriate filtering and monitoring arrangements.

If something happens online that leaves a student worried, frightened, embarrassed or uncomfortable, we want them to tell us.

You will not have to deal with it alone.

Attendance Can Tell Us Something

Attendance is not simply about percentages.

Sometimes difficulty attending school can be an indication that something else is happening in a young person's life.

Our attendance, safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral colleagues therefore work together to identify patterns, understand barriers and offer support.

The question we want to ask is not simply: "Why aren't you in school?"

but also: "What is happening, and how can we help?"

Working With Families

Parents and carers know their children incredibly well and are important partners in safeguarding. If something has changed at home or you are worried about your child, please talk to us. You don't need to wait for a situation to become serious.

Sometimes a conversation and some additional support may be enough. At other times, we may agree that other professionals could help.

Where appropriate, we work alongside families and other services while keeping the safety and welfare of the child at the centre of decisions.

How We Make Sure Safeguarding Works

Strong safeguarding requires constant attention.

We don't simply put systems in place and assume that they are working.

We regularly:

review safeguarding concerns and actions;
look for patterns or emerging risks;
check the quality of safeguarding records;
listen to students;
update staff knowledge and training;
review local and national safeguarding concerns;
examine what we can learn from incidents;
review our policies and procedures;
work with our safeguarding governor;
and identify areas where we can improve.

This creates a simple cycle:

LISTEN → NOTICE → ACT → REVIEW → IMPROVE

Useful contacts:

MEDWAY (CHILDREN’S SERVICES) DUTY TEAM

If you think the child is at immediate risk of harm phone them straightaway:

Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm 01634 334 466
Out of hours on 03000 419 191

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 999

To report a crime to Police (non-emergency) call 101.

EARLY HELP

The aim of Early Help in Medway is to ensure that children and families that need extra help have one lead person who they can tell their story to. This means you will not have to keep telling different people.

This lead person will carry out a family assessment to develop a plan of action and interventions needed to meet the aims of your family.

https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200170/children_and_families/325/early_help_in_medway

HELPLINE FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN SCHOOLS

Sexual abuse in any form is unacceptable.

A dedicated helpline is now open to support anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse.

The helpline is run by the NSPCC and will provide victims of abuse with the appropriate support, advice, and onward action, including contacting professionals or the Police if they wish. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals too.

Telephone 0800 136 663, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

More information can be found at:

Helpline for people who have experienced sexual abuse in education settings launched | NSPCC Learning

LOCAL AUTHORITY DESIGNATED OFFICER (LADO)

Every Local Authority is required to have a LADO whose responsibility it is to provide advice and guidance to individuals who have concerns about the behaviour of an adult who works with children and young people. If you wish to raise a concern about a professional working with children, please call 01634 331065.

USEFUL LINKS FOR CONCERNS

Types of Child Abuse & How to Prevent Them | NSPCC

The NSPCC gives key information of different types of abuse and recognising signs. It also allows you to report your concerns and what to do to keep children safe.

Reporting child abuse and neglect | NSPCC

Direct links to reporting concerns to the NSPCC, whistleblowing advice and dedicated helplines for specific needs.

Safeguarding children and child protection | NSPCC Learning

Additional detail on what safeguarding is, working with multi agencies such as Early Help and Child Services.

Childline | Childline

Advice for children who are concerned about themselves or others. This can be done via the phone for free on 0800 1111 or message boards online.

Sexual health | Terrence Higgins Trust (tht.org.uk)

Key information and guidance about sexual health and how to manage risks.

Report Remove: Remove a nude image shared online | Childline

If you are worried that an image is being shared online and posted. Please use the above link and Childline will talk you through the steps in how to report. All age groups inc 18+ can be reported.