Chetham’s is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its students. Officers of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) described Chetham’s current safeguarding procedures as ‘impeccable’ following their most recent visit in 2017.

“The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and her deputies have undergone appropriate and timely training with the local authority, including in safer recruitment, and have an excellent understanding of their roles and responsibilities” – ISI, 2016

Chetham’s Independent Safeguarding Commission

In 2014, the Governing Body resolved to establish an Independent Safeguarding Commission, with the purpose of:

• Advising the Feoffees and School Governing Body
• Scrutinising, questioning, monitoring and challenging
• Overseeing or assisting the School
• Providing quality assurance to the School

in matters relating to child protection and the safeguarding of children in the care of the School.

The Commission is required to prepare a full report to the Feoffees and Governing Body of the School at least once during each academic year. This is in addition to external reports led by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

• Terms of Reference for the Independent Safeguarding Commission
• Latest report of the Independent Safeguarding Commission (2018)
• Report of the Independent Safeguarding Commission (2017)

“The governors review the safeguarding policy and procedural implementation annually and make appropriate amendments to reflect
any change in regulations or counter any perceived weaknesses. Minutes of the review demonstrate thorough processes, with governors involved in discussion of key elements.” – ISI, 2016

Chetham’s and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

In 2018, Chetham’s was named as one of six residential music schools which will be considered by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in Phase One of its forthcoming Residential Schools investigation.

16 October 2018
Chetham’s intends to apply for Core Participant Status in the upcoming investigation. The role of Core Participant does  not guarantee that Chetham’s will be asked to give evidence directly, or be otherwise involved in the proceedings of the panel, but it will be recognised as having a significant interest in the matters to be investigated    Read more…