Strong culture of care at Chetham’s
At Chetham’s, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of our students are at the heart of everything we do. We are therefore pleased to share the findings of an independent safeguarding audit carried out by the Safeguarding and Child Protection Association (SACPA) in May 2026.
The review, conducted by a team of safeguarding and boarding specialists, examined our safeguarding arrangements against current statutory guidance and sector best practice. The audit found that safeguarding at Chetham’s is strong, well led and deeply embedded throughout the school community, with students, staff and governors all playing an active role in creating a safe and supportive environment.
A Culture of Vigilance and Care
One of the key findings of the audit was the school’s strong safeguarding culture. Auditors found that safeguarding is clearly prioritised across all areas of school life, supported by regular staff training, open communication and a proactive approach to identifying and managing potential risks.
Staff at every level demonstrated a clear understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities, helping to ensure that students are supported, listened to and protected.
Strong Leadership and Effective Systems
The audit highlighted the leadership provided by our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and wider safeguarding team. Auditors found that concerns are managed promptly and appropriately through clear processes and robust systems.
Effective collaboration between safeguarding, pastoral and learning support teams was recognised as a particular strength, enabling joined-up support for students and ensuring concerns are followed through thoroughly.
Students Feel Safe and Supported
Perhaps most importantly, students consistently told auditors that they feel safe at Chetham’s and value the support they receive from staff.
Students praised:
– The strong sense of community across the school
– Positive relationships with staff and peers
– The balance between independence and supervision
– Clear expectations around behaviour and safety
The audit also found that students have a good understanding of key safeguarding issues, including online safety, wellbeing and how to raise concerns if they need support.
A Safe and Secure Environment
Chetham’s city-centre location brings unique opportunities and responsibilities. The audit recognised the school’s well-managed approach to site security, including trained security staff, controlled access arrangements and clear procedures for visitors and events.
The report also highlighted the value of regular input from external agencies, including Greater Manchester Police, in helping students understand potential risks within the local area.
Boarding Identified as a Key Strength
Boarding provision was recognised as one of the school’s significant strengths.
Auditors heard positive feedback from boarders about the welcoming atmosphere within the houses, the quality of accommodation and the support available from house staff.
Boarding staff were praised for their strong understanding of individual student needs and their contribution to creating an environment where students feel valued, supported and included.
Strong Governance and Oversight
The audit found that governors take their safeguarding responsibilities seriously and provide effective oversight of safeguarding policies, practices and emerging risks.
This active engagement helps ensure that safeguarding remains a strategic priority across the school and that continuous improvement is embedded into governance processes.
Supporting Student Wellbeing
The report also recognised the wide range of wellbeing support available to students, including counselling services, medical provision and pastoral care.
Students reported that they know where to seek help and feel confident approaching staff when they need support. Auditors also noted the school’s responsiveness to the needs of its diverse student community, including students with additional learning needs.
A Positive Outcome
The independent audit concluded that Chetham’s School of Music provides a safe, supportive and well-managed environment for its students. The report highlights strong leadership, committed staff, effective governance and confident, well-informed students as key strengths.
We are grateful to SACPA for its thorough review and thoughtful recommendations. The findings provide valuable external validation of the work taking place across the school every day and will help inform our continued efforts to provide the highest standards of care, support and safeguarding for all our students.
