“I love BHS because it really does feel like a family. All staff and students know each other, are extremely supportive of one another and show amazing levels of respect throughout the school. There really isn’t another school like it!”
Mrs Nixon
Safeguarding Information for Parents
Everything you need to know about how we keep your child safe at Burnley High School.
Our Pastoral Team and Support
Our pastoral team at Burnley High School are second to none in the help, advice, guidance and support they provide for our learners. It is vital that our Pastoral team work in cohesion with our learners, teachers, parents/carers and external agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our learners.
Our aim is to identify and if possible, pre-empt any concerns or issues as early as possible, thus removing any barriers to learning which may be preventing our learners from reaching their full potential. We know our learners well, know what makes them ‘tick’ and this rapport helps us to work closely with them to identify any external factors which may prevent them from being their best. We then work closely alongside the teaching and support staff to develop positive relationships with them and their families in order to offer as much support and intervention as possible.
We respond as quickly as possible to any issues and ensure that difficulties are discussed and resolved in the best possible way. We offer help and support in the following areas:
- Behaviour support/management
- Emotional help (including anger management and counselling)
- Academic support (including intervention work, extended work experience, specialised timetables and programmes)
- Restorative approaches & peer mediation
- Links to specialist external agencies when needed
Mr Isherwood oversees pastoral support. Form Tutors are the first point of contact for parents and carers with any concerns or issues.
Pastoral Team Contacts
- Head of Year 7 – Miss Withnell
- Head of Year 8 – Mr Riley
- Head of Year 9 – Mrs Suleman
- Head of Year 10 – Mr Sykes
- Head of Year 11 – Mr Pickering
Referrals for support and intervention can be made by the pastoral support team, classroom teachers, parents/carers, support staff and the students themselves through a self-referral process. Other links to the Pastoral Team include the school’s SENCO, counsellors, a Wellbeing and Safeguarding Officer and an Attendance Officer. We also work closely with external support agencies such as the Local Authority social inclusion team, child and family support and many others.
Must Read for Parents
Please take time to read this important safeguarding resource. You can access the booklet here: Parental Booklet: Where's The Harm? (PDF) .
Operation Encompass
Burnley High School participates in Operation Encompass, a Police and Education early intervention safeguarding partnership. It ensures that the school is informed, prior to the start of the next school day, of any domestic abuse incident a child has been exposed to, enabling us to provide support.
Our Key Adult is Mrs Fort, who liaises in confidence with the police and staff. Information is only shared on a need-to-know basis. This initiative runs across the Lancashire Police area. More information can be found at operationencompass.org.
Arbor and Correspondence
We use Arbor to send home all written communication. It is vital that we stay connected with Parents/Carers and that those lines of communication are open and honest, with responses provided as soon as possible.
Guidance for Parents and Carers
We recommend that parents and carers check their child’s phone and tablet every night. Ensure you know your child’s passcodes and passwords. Encourage device use while supervised, talk about online safety, and set parental controls. If concerned, contact safeguarding@burnleyhigh.com or Lancashire Police.
Useful Websites & Apps
Safeguarding FAQs
How do parents/carers contact the Pastoral Team?
First contact should be the Form Tutor, followed by the Head of Year. Email talktomyheadofyear@burnleyhigh.com or call Reception on 01282 681950.
What is Operation Encompass?
A partnership between police and schools to notify us of domestic abuse incidents involving pupils so we can provide support. Our Key Adult is Mrs Fort.
How can I help keep my child safe online?
Check devices daily, enable parental controls, and use resources such as Safer Internet, NSPCC and CEOP.
