The Avenue School

Special Needs Academy

Safeguarding

The Avenue School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. We ensure that safeguarding is embedded in the school’s ethos, curriculum and daily practice. Our safeguarding culture is embedded in all of our actions, whilst providing a safe environment in which our young people can learn and develop. The Avenue ensures safe recruitment practice in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers. We strive to equip all of our pupils with the skills needed to keep themselves safe. 

 

Kellie Relf, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at The Avenue School Special Needs Academy, has a crucial role in protecting the safety, welfare, and rights of all pupils – particularly those who may be more vulnerable due to their individual disabilities, difficulties and/or communication challenges.

The DSL is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of safeguarding and child protection within the school. They ensure that staff, parents, pupils, visitors and all partners understand our safeguarding procedures, and that any concerns are identified and acted upon promptly and effectively. 

The DSL recognises the heightened vulnerability of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with communication difficulties, medical dependencies, or behavioural challenges. 

The DSL’s role involves additional sensitivity, expertise, and coordination with external professionals (e.g. social workers, police, Local Authority Designated Officer and healthcare providers). They act as the main point of contact for all safeguarding and child protection concerns. Kellie Relf acts as the school’s representative at child protection conferences, core group meetings, CIN meetings, multi-agency reviews, etc. Kellie is fully committed to building strong working relationships with both families/carers, social care teams, external professionals, and local safeguarding partnerships. 

Kellie works closely alongside parents and carers to have positive lifelong outcomes for our children and young people. Kellie is available (1:1, telephone, email) for sensitive/confidential support with any aspect of safeguarding, including signposting to the appropriate support service, supporting with referrals and supporting with multi-agency meetings. 

 

Symon Cooke (Headteacher), Viktoria Kincses (Deputy Headteacher), Sam Gardner (Deputy Headteacher) and Tom Stobie (Assistant Headteacher) are also all trained Designated Safeguarding Leads. 

 

If you have any concerns, please contact: 

Kellie Relf (Designated Safeguarding Lead) via:

 

A DSL will always be available to support all school-related activities. If Kellie is unavailable, please ask for: 

Symon Cooke (Headteacher/DSL) 

Viktoria Kincses (Deputy Head/DSL) 

Sam Gardner (Deputy Head/DSL) 

Tom Stobie (Assistant Head/DSL) 

 

Our Safeguarding Trustee is Mike Loftus. To contact him, please contact Amy Heath at clerktogovernors@avenue.reading.sch.uk 

 

PLEASE NOTE: Our policies are updated annually to ensure up-to-date information and accuracy. Our current safeguarding policy is in the process of being checked and approved by our governing body.

Our most recent policy can be viewed here: Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

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