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.
​
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.​
KEY
STAFF
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mr P Coley​
Headteacher
Deputy Headteacher
Deputy Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
BEYOND SCHOOLS TRUST TEAM
Mr A Minchin
Ms C Bailey
Mr A Berry
Mr M Bushell
Mr S Rayner​
Mrs D Zlateva
CEO
Clerk to the Trustees
Trust Estates Development Manager
Trust IT Manager
CFO
Executive Business Manager
DIRECTORS OF LEARNING
Miss H Vidler
Mrs O Moran
Mrs L Lock
Mrs N Lee
Achilles House
Cavalier House
Resolute House
Victory House
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF LEARNING
Achilles House
Cavalier House
Resolute House
Victory House
Mrs S Massey
Mrs S Wood
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
Miss H Vidler
Ms I Mawn
Mrs E Hayward
Mr P Ahern
Mrs A Grady
Mr E Clendennen
Mr P McKeown
Mrs R Cross
Ms K May
Mrs N Lee
Mr M Simone
Mrs S Beck
Mrs J Mash
Mrs M Payne
Mrs S Bowes
Mr D Tarrant
Mrs E Hayward
Alternative Curriculum
Art
Business Studies
Drama
Design & Technology
English
Geography
Health & Social Care
History
Computer Science
Law
Maths
Media
MFL
PE
Performing Arts - Dance & Music
Psychology
PSHE & RS
Science
Sociology
CHILDREN'S TEAM, ADMINISTRATION
​& TECHNICAL STAFF
Ms T Latchford
Mrs C Rodwell
Ms L Tuffrey
Miss K Clark
Mrs S Dane
Mrs D Peace
Ms B Sanders
Ms E Elliott
Mrs A White
Mrs S Williams
​
Miss L Shelbourne
Mrs L Frickey
Children's Team Manager
Home School Support Worker
Pupil Premium Interventions Officer
Examinations Manager
Cover Manager
Librarian
Work Experience Co-ordinator
PA to Headteacher
Attendance Officer
Transition and Student Welfare Coordinator
Assistant HSSW & Children's Team
Inclusion Zone Supervisor
SEND TEAM
Ms K Barry
Miss H Reed
Miss S Laker
Mrs K Martin
Mrs E McDowall
Mrs J Milliner
SENCO
Deputy SENCO
Assistant SENCO
Lead Teacher of the Deaf
Teacher of the Deaf
SEN Clerical Assistant
CURRICULUM ASSISTANTS
SIXTH FORM TEAM
Mrs D Humphrey
Deputy Director of Sixth Form
Mrs C Wybourn
Director of Sixth Form
Miss S Hewitt
Mrs S Howes
Mrs P Reed
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, we are fully committed to the safeguarding of our students. It is important that students feel safe and supported so that they can achieve their full potential.
​
All staff at Thomas Aveling, regardless of their role, recognise that safeguarding is the statutory duty of all staff. As such, we will:
​
-
Provide a safe environment for students
-
Identify students who may need additional help and/or may be suffering harm
-
Take appropriate action to protect and help children.
​
Safeguarding is the term used to prevent harm, keep children safe and promote their wellbeing. In school we have a dedicated team which deal specifically with child protection matters. The members are:
Ms T Latchford
Children’s Team Manager and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Miss L Shelbourne
Assistant Home School Support Worker & Children's Team Assistant
SAFEGUARDING AND VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
​
Upon arrival at the school, visitors are required to sign in at Reception. 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 black visitor lanyard.
​
Those who have had the appropriate checks and work with students weekly will wear a pink visitor lanyard.
On departure, visitors must sign out and return their ID badge to Reception before leaving the premises.
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:
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.
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.
​