Visitor Information
Safeguarding and British Values
Welcome to The Cottesloe School. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students, staff, and visitors. As part of this commitment, we uphold rigorous safeguarding standards and actively promote British values throughout our school community.
Our Vision: Prepare, Aspire, Succeed
Our school vision – Prepare, Aspire, Succeed – is at the heart of everything we do. It guides our culture, teaching, and support for students throughout their journey:
- Prepare: We build strong foundations for learning and personal development, ensuring students are ready for future challenges.
- Aspire: We encourage students to aim high, develop confidence, and pursue their dreams with determination.
- Succeed: We celebrate excellence and achievement in all forms, fostering a sense of fulfilment and pride.
This vision shapes how we safeguard and support students, ensuring they grow into responsible, resilient, and successful individuals.
Safeguarding Beliefs and Practices
At The Cottesloe School, safeguarding is our top priority. We believe every student has the right to feel safe, supported, and valued. Our approach includes:
- Robust Safeguarding Procedures: We follow statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, to ensure all staff and visitors understand their responsibilities to protect students from harm.
- Clear Policies: We have a number of clear policies in place to help safeguard our students.
- Vigilance and Reporting: All visitors must report any concerns about student welfare immediately to a designated safeguarding lead (DSL).
- Respect for Diversity: We comply with the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty to promote equality and prevent discrimination or harassment.
- Empowering Students: We foster emotional resilience and wellbeing, enabling students to thrive and develop as responsible, active members of society.
British Values at The Cottesloe School
We actively promote the fundamental British values as part of our school ethos and curriculum, ensuring students are prepared for life in modern Britain. These values include:
- Democracy: Encouraging students to have a voice and participate in decision-making processes.
- The Rule of Law: Teaching students the importance of laws and rules in society and school, and the consequences of breaking them.
- Individual Liberty: Supporting students to make safe, informed choices and respect the rights of others.
- Mutual Respect: Promoting respect for others regardless of background, belief, or identity.
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Celebrating diversity and fostering understanding of different cultures and religions.
Visitor Responsibilities
- Please respect our safeguarding policies and report any concerns immediately.
- Adhere to school rules and behave respectfully towards all members of our community.
- Support our commitment to British values by modelling respect, tolerance, and inclusivity.
- Follow any guidance given by school staff during your visit.
- Mobile phones should not be used on site.
- The presentation to be used should be sent to the school contact no later than a week before the presentation to ensure it is compatible with our IT and also for content checks.
Health and Safety
The Cottesloe School is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors. These guidelines are designed to inform all visitors of the essential health and safety procedures and site-specific risks they must adhere to while on school premises.
By signing the Visitors' Screen, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to comply with these procedures.
1. Arrival and Site Access Procedures
Procedure |
Detail |
|
Sign-In |
All visitors must report immediately to the main reception desk upon arrival. You will be required to sign the visitors' screen and collect a visitor lanyard and badge, which must be worn visibly at all times. |
|
Designated staff escort |
All visitors must be supervised or escorted by a designated member of staff while moving around the site. |
|
Departure |
Before leaving, all visitors must return their visitor badge and sign out at the main reception desk. This is mandatory for emergency registration purposes. |
|
Parking |
Visitors are required to use designated parking areas only. Please observe the 5 mph speed limit and be vigilant for pedestrians and students at all times. All vehicles and contents are left entirely at the owner's risk; the school accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to property. |
2. Emergency and Evacuation Procedures
2.1 Fire and Evacuation
- Alarm Signal: The fire alarm is a continuous, loud bell.
- Action on Hearing the Alarm:
- Immediately leave the building via the nearest safe exit. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
- Proceed directly to the designated Assembly Point as directed by your designated staff escort.
- Remain at the Assembly Point until the "All Clear" signal is given.
2.2 Lockdown
- Alarm Signal: Pulsing bell for several minutes
- Action on Hearing the Alarm: On hearing the alarm, all visitors proceed to the nearest office or teacher-supervised classroom as quickly as possible. School staff will check their e-mail for further information and instructions.
3. First Aid
If you require first aid assistance:
- Report immediately to the first aid room (located off the library) with a staff member.
- All accidents, however minor, must be reported to the staff member who is escorting you around the site.
4. General Safety Guidelines
- Smoking/Vaping: The Cottesloe School site is strictly a No Smoking and No Vaping zone, including outdoor areas and car parks.
- CCTV: Please be aware that for security and safety purposes, CCTV cameras are in operation across the school site, including external and internal common areas.
- Site Areas: Visitors are restricted to the areas relevant to their visit unless escorted. Access to staff-only areas, plant rooms, or maintenance areas is strictly prohibited.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Where a visit involves practical areas (e.g., Design Technology, Science laboratories, workshops), visitors must adhere to the specific PPE requirements for that area (e.g., safety glasses, lab coats).
5. Site-Specific Hazards
Please be aware of the following potential site hazards:
- Uneven Surfaces: The school site includes older buildings and external pathways. Please watch your footing, especially during poor weather.
- Vehicle Movements: Be mindful of delivery vehicles, especially in the service yards and access roads.
- Construction/Maintenance: If the school is undergoing construction, strictly adhere to all signage and barriers around the work site.