We are delighted to receive the Gold quality mark from Anchored Schools in our recent safeguarding audit. This is a fantastic outcome that recognises the excellent practices we have in place. We are immensely proud, particularly given that, outside of Olive Academies, only two other schools in the country have received Gold so far this year, demonstrating just how difficult it is to achieve.
Corrie Fielding, Education Consultant at Anchored Schools, said:
I would like to recognise the academy's absolute commitment to further improving and developing its practice and enhancing the culture of safeguarding. The percentage score for the audit is one of the highest we have seen this academic year and we are pleased to be able to award Olive AP Academy - Suffolk the Gold Anchored Schools Award for excellent practice in safeguarding.
The report highlights many areas of good practice, including the academy’s ‘overtly child-centred approach’ and the ‘strong sense of responsibility across the leadership team, which sets the tone and expectations for all staff in the academy.’ Staff were praised for their ‘direct work with pupils, their families and external services’ where they demonstrated ‘professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment.’
It also acknowledges the ‘highly effective systems, procedures and practice that underpin the staffs' work and the academy's culture of safeguarding.’ The strength of multi-agency work is also highlighted: ‘the continuity of support through the academy’s strong partnerships with regional and national services is evident and can often be the key to gaining positive outcomes for pupils.’
Leaders were applauded for recognising how important PSHE is for pupils and dedicating so much time to it: ‘The way in which leaders are following up selected CPOMS reports through the PSHE lessons to 'close the circle' is very good.’
The auditing process is incredibly intensive. Using their own software, recognised by Ofsted to be exemplary, Anchored Schools reviewed our processes, systems, policies and procedures to evidence all aspects of safeguarding, with a score of at least 90% required to receive the quality assurance award. This threshold is incredibly high, ensuring that only settings with the very best safeguarding practices receive the quality mark.
Michelle Simmonite, Olive Academies Trust Safeguarding Lead, said:
Anchored Schools provide a high-quality personalised service, taking the time to build solid relationships with staff across all of our academies. Their tailored approach ensures they understand the context in order to make achievable recommendations. We are delighted to have been awarded the Anchored Schools Gold award.
Anchored Schools is a nationally-recognised organisation that works with hundreds of schools and academies across the country at both primary and secondary level and across the spectrum of mainstream, alternative provision and SEND settings. They bring a wealth of expertise and are highly regarded for their thorough approach. It is great to see our hard work acknowledged by such an esteemed external specialist. Well done to all staff at Olive AP Academy – Suffolk on this outstanding achievement and for ensuring we have effective safeguarding practices in place to keep our academy community safe.
19 March 2023